It's unfair on the ordinary taxpayer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The fact that Manchester United and other clubs paid no corporation tax can't be right. Multimillion-pound football clubs shouldn't be able to beat the tax system. Loopholes should be closed. It might not be illegal, but it's wrong when others have to pay taxes in full.
It calls into question the amount of debt that football clubs carry and whether it is sustainable. I would like to know how much deferred tax is collected by HMRC and what happens when clubs get into difficult times. What safety mechanisms are in place? It's not fair if the taxpayer has to sustain that debt.
I think ordinary football fans will be very upset by what's happening. They are still paying top amounts for season tickets in austere times, which contribute to the clubs' revenue. This is fine, but not if taxpayers are not getting what they require in return.
When people are having their pay frozen, they expect everyone else to find things tough as well. The reality is they're not. This must be tackled by select committees, the sports minister and the Treasury.
Gerry Sutcliffe is a Labour MP and former sports minister
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments