On Wednesday, both West Ham and Newcastle were subject to raids from the HMRC. Both English clubs have found themselves in the midst of an investigation into corruption in football.
Premier League leaders Chelsea were also questioned by officials. However, no charges or allegation of wrongdoing were brought up against the Blues, with a spokesman for the club revealing that “certain information” has been requested “in connection with its wider investigation”.
The Hammers and the Magpies, unlike Chelsea, find themselves in legal hot water. Several arrests have been made for suspected income tax and national insurance fraud, with Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley being detained.
HMRC officer seen at Newcastle's training ground
The two English clubs are involved in a criminal investigation centering Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, with the French authorities and the HMRC working closely together. As reported by the Daily Mail, the allegation is that the Stade Vélodrome side defrauded the government of £5m.
The numerous transfers between Marseille, West Ham and Newcastle – including the moves of Dimitri Payet, Florian Thauvin, and Remy Cabella – have dragged the English clubs into the investigation.
HMRC claim that image rights were abused in this tax fraud probe. At least another two clubs are expected to be targeted, with 12 teams in total being under investigation.
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