To be rendered speechless over Rangers' outstanding tax bill

[Tanith]

£9 Million!!!

£9 Million!!!

How...??? Where...?!? I mean...HOW??!!

£9 MILLION!!!!!

Not au fait with the Rangers specifics, though sounds properly dodgy but, I heard an astonishing programme on R4 a couple of years ago about HMRC's relationship with football clubs generally, whereby there is an extraordinary 'special relationship' and they just don't pursue them for massive tax bills other companies would be forced to pay. It's some sort of bizarre national interest clause, so that, if a football club is in trouble or goes bankrupt, HMRC are the last people to get paid, so generally miss out on huge sums. I don't think that football is that special and see it as an outrageous priveleging of some people's interests.

i wonder if that's changed, then, and that's why they're chasing now? apparently david murray was pals with the top guy at hmrc, who advised murray that this tax dodge was actually above board. all fine, but then the rules changed and the pal (dunno if he's still there) neglected to mention this to murray.

Aitch -AFAIK it was and is perfectly legal.if implemented correctly. And in rangers case it wasnt. Any accountant or lawyer will tell you that the devil is in the detail.

I feel I need to apologise for my sloppy use of the phrase 'old firm' by which I really just ment 'big football clubs' any where in the country. I have NO knowledge or interest in football, with or without sectarian overtones.
I am also really sorry if my rather short last post sounded like I felt the fans were in any way to blame - the 'appalling' was directed at the level of callous mismanagment of funds which, let's face it, came from normal people who as a rule do not have millions to spare.

I wonder how many other large corporations/ultra-rich individuals enjoy a 'special relationship' with HMRC ? I want one too...

Dunno about "special relationships" but I can tell you that HMRC changed my tax code last year to claw back £600 tax underpaid when I retired three years ago. Between them they and my employer screwed up. I had no idea. I'd love to get hold of those responsible for deciding it's OK to pursue retired people for small amounts underpaid through no fault of their own while letting off the likes of Vodafone and doing deals with bloody football clubs, and make them explain how this situation can possibly be fair.