Labour leader Keir Starmer has written to Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea FC, demanding that he pays up a £19.2 million tax bill within 28 days or face court action. This move comes as the UK government cracks down on tax evasion and avoidance.
Background on Chelsea FC's Tax Issues
Abramovich, a Russian billionaire, has been the owner of Chelsea FC since 2003. He has been accused of failing to pay taxes on profits from the sale of his shares in the club. The UK tax authority, HMRC, has been investigating the matter for several years.
The tax bill is related to the sale of shares in Chelsea FC in 2003, when Abramovich bought the club. HMRC claims that Abramovich failed to pay the correct amount of tax on the profits from the sale.
Starmer's Demands and the UK Government's Crackdown
Starmer has written to Abramovich demanding that he pays up the tax bill within 28 days or face court action. This move comes as the UK government cracks down on tax evasion and avoidance. The government has introduced new laws to tackle tax avoidance and evasion, and has increased penalties for those who fail to pay their taxes.
The Labour Party has been critical of the Conservative government's handling of tax evasion and avoidance. Starmer has argued that the government needs to do more to tackle the issue and ensure that those who fail to pay their taxes are held accountable.
Abramovich's Response and the Future of Chelsea FC
Abramovich has not commented on the tax bill or Starmer's demands. However, the owner of Chelsea FC has been under pressure from the UK government to sell the club due to his Russian nationality. Abramovich has stated that he will not sell the club, but the UK government has warned that he may face sanctions if he does not comply.
The future of Chelsea FC is uncertain, with Abramovich's ownership of the club under scrutiny. The club has been one of the most successful teams in the English Premier League, but Abramovich's tax issues and nationality have raised questions about the club's future.
In conclusion, Starmer's demands to Abramovich to pay up the tax bill or face court action highlight the UK government's crackdown on tax evasion and avoidance. The future of Chelsea FC remains uncertain, with Abramovich's ownership of the club under scrutiny.