It has been reported that between 50 and 60 clubs in the Football League and Conference owe around £50 million in tax. So League Chairman Lord Mawhinney has said that consideration is being given to making clubs give more financial information to the League.
"We are now looking at whether we should put in place arrangements that require clubs to give more information about their finances," said Lord Mawhinney.
The subject is being discussed in a BBC Radio Four 'File on Four' programme this evening at 8pm. Amongst those taking part is Gary Sweet who is involved with Luton Town. He is concerned that because the tax authorities have been slow collecting tax from football clubs, the general public are, in effect, keeping them in business.
"I would like to know exactly what the Revenue's stance is in moving forward with football clubs and football businesses because I think that position is wholly disastrous for football," said Sweet.
"It is the population that is subsidising football clubs - and that's wrong, not just for the taxpayer but also wrong for the football club, which shouldn't be permitted to get into deep waters like that."
One of the problem is that under both Football Association and Football League rules, other creditors within the game, such as players or other football clubs, get priority. That doesn't happen in the real world where Revenue and Customs are normally the first to receive any money.
According to the BBC several club chairmen have said that clubs running up huge tax debts were effectively being bankrolled by HMRC.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Home Against Southport In The League On Saturday January 18th At 3.00pm ( assuming the floodlights are working )