Jack Warner sows confusion about tax on World Cup appearance

Trinidad Express reporter Lasana Liburd has continued his investigations into the affairs of FIFA vice president Jack Warner and has now uncovered evidence that Warner has not been telling the truth about the amount of money that the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) will receive from FIFA for appearing in the World Cup.

T&TFF is set to receive approximately 4,8 million US dollars for taking part in the tournament. At a press conference in the beginning of January, Jack Warner said that the appearance fee would be subject to 21 per cent tax plus a five per cent fee for insurance purposes. Therefore, Warner concluded, T&TFF could expect a payout of approximately 3,5 million US dollars.

However, FIFA denies that the appearance fee will be taxed. The German government issued a tax exemption to FIFA as far back as 1999 in connection with the German bid to host the World Cup.

“The taxation of the national federations is so regulated that they are released from tax in Germany. This applies to all contributions of equipment or money assigned directly by FIFA and granted because of the World Cup,” FIFA media chief Andreas Herren says to Trinidad Express.

What will be taxed are World Cup premiums paid out directly to players.

According to Lasana Liburd, Jack Warner lost his composure when asked by the Trinidad Express why FIFA, whose headquarters are based in Switzerland, would allow its money to be taxed.

“The money is in Germany. It is made in Germany, it is paid in Germany... Jesus Christ!” Warner exclaimed in exasperation.