Introduction
This strategy applies to the Premier League and is published in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 2016. The strategy is published in accordance with paragraph 16(4) of the Schedule and is effective for the financial year ended 31 July 2025.
The Premier League is liable to tax in the United Kingdom (UK) and the company seeks to pay all applicable tax relating to profits, payroll, sales and any other tax in the UK and in line with UK tax legislation.
The Premier League understands its responsibility to pay the correct amount of tax and is committed to be a responsible taxpayer. It intends to be open and transparent in all its dealings with HMRC or other tax authorities it deals with.
The Premier League acts as the umbrella organisation for its 20-member Clubs and in a recent independent Economic Impact report it was estimated that the Premier League along with its member Clubs generates £4.4bn in taxes paid to the UK Government.
Governance
The ultimate responsibility for the Premier League’s tax strategy lies with the Premier League Board. The Board will ensure that the tax risk management framework is adequate and meets the objectives of the tax strategy when significant business decisions are taken.
The Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) has executive responsibility for tax matters in general and is also the HMRC nominated Senior Accounting Officer (“SAO”). The SAO is responsible for ensuring the Premier League meets and maintains appropriate accounting and tax compliance arrangements. Day-to-Day management of the company’s tax matters are dealt with by adequately qualified members of the Finance team who report directly into the Director of Finance.
As well as reporting any tax related issues to the Premier League Board, the CFO will also set out the Company’s tax compliance measures to the Audit and Finance Committee.
The Premier League also hosts regular Club Finance Officers’ meetings, where changes to tax legislation and tax items of mutual Club interest are discussed. It is common for there to be external professional tax advisors at these meetings to lend support to the League and its Clubs.
Risk Management
The Premier League operates a risk management system of which tax risk forms part of the assessment. This document is regularly reviewed by the Board and the Executive Leadership Team.
At all times, the Premier League seeks to reduce the level of tax arising from its operations as far as is reasonably practicable by ensuring that all reasonable care is applied to its systems and processes that could materially affect its compliance with its tax obligations. Processes relating to different taxes are allocated to appropriate employees within the Finance team who regularly review the appropriateness of these processes, whilst also monitoring any legislative changes that may occur.
Regular tax training is carried out for all Finance employees who engage in the Company’s tax affairs and external advice is sought where necessary.
Tax Planning
The Premier League manages its tax risk with a view to maintaining compliance with all legal requirements and ultimately to pay the correct amount of tax. This is aligned with a desire to maintain a good working relationship with HMRC.
The Premier League will only utilise tax incentives or opportunities for obtaining tax efficiencies where these;
- Have been reviewed professionally, potentially seeking expert external advice.
- Do not carry significant reputational risk and would be justifiable in the eyes of the public.
- Meet all applicable legal requirements both in terms of calculation and disclosure.
- Present a minimum level of uncertainty or risk.
Relationship with HMRC
The Premier League operates an open and transparent relationship with HMRC through regular meetings and communication, seeking to gain early agreement and certainty on any tax issues that may arise.
When submitting tax computations and returns to HMRC, the Premier League discloses all relevant facts and identifies any transactions or issues where it considers the there is potential for the tax treatment to be uncertain.
The Premier League also engages with HMRC on tax issues that affect the member Clubs of the League.