Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has denied an MP’s claims that the footballer is involved in tax avoidance based on the way his image rights are handled with his spokesman saying all the striker’s tax dealings are complian
Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke raised Rooney's name in the House of Commons in a discussion of the tax issues around sporting image rights.
Last week HMRC senior executives told an evidence session of the public accounts committee that 12 clubs, 43 players and eight agents are currently under investigation to see if image rights have been declared appropriately.
In Parliament, Elphicke said: ‘Would you agree fans are right to be angry that big clubs, including players like England captain Wayne Rooney, stand accused of dirtying the beautiful game with a culture of excessive greed and tax dodging?’
In response, Tracy Crouch, under-secretary at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said: ‘I agree with my honourable friend that those in football should protect the reputation of football, but he is asking me to comment on a matter that HMRC is still investigating. Football players, clubs and managers are treated no differently from others and are expected to adhere to the same principles.’
Rooney’s spokesman put out a statement which said: ‘All Wayne Rooney’s tax affairs, including those involving his image rights, are conducted in full compliance with the law.’
A Manchester United spokesman said: ‘The club operates within the rules set by football’s governing bodies and HMRC has full visibility of all agreements and payments.’
