Revenue tackles rugby transfers
The Inland Revenue’s special compliance office has launched an investigation into the signing of foreign rugby stars by England’s top clubs.
Last month, the Solihull investigators sent a letter to the top 24 clubs in England, demanding information on foreign signings since April 1995.
As with its successful probe into transfer deals at football clubs, the Revenue will focus on the role played by agents, and on payments made by clubs to players and agents. They are also interested in the possible existence of ‘image rights’, whereby high-profile players set up a company to exploit their image.