Football Leaks: reaction from Sven Giegold to today’s PANA hearing
The European Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA) has today held a public hearing on „Tax-planning: Do celebrities and companies breach EU law?“. The hearing included discussion on the so-called Football Leaks.
Please see below a comment from MEP Sven Giegold, financial and economic policy spokesperson of the Greens/EFA group comments on the hearing:
„We regret that the presidents of UEFA and FIFA both declined to participate today. Aleksander Ceferin and Gianni Infantino lead organisations that have suffered major corruption scandals and concerns regarding their integrity still remain. They have failed in their duties as regulators of the world of football.“
„We urge the European Commission to take action to prevent tax evasion in international transfers, image rights schemes and remuneration of agents.
The problem is now out of control. The importance of responding strongly is not simply about the huge amounts of money involved but also the symbolism offered by these high profile celebrities.“
„The lack of EU tax cooperation leads to unfair competition between football clubs. A truly common football league needs a level playing field in tax.“