Published: 30th June 2012
FIVE-a-side footie fans were in uproar last night at a new £1 per player TAX on the sport.
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Thousands who use all-weather pitches for games were told to stump up the levy.
It follows a ruling by the taxman that the hiring of them is liable to VAT at 20 per cent.
Players previously exempt and typically paying £4.50 each for a kickabout face a rise of almost a quid.
Horrified five-a-side leagues were left fearing for their futures as skint players warned the new tax grab may force them to quit the sport.
Barry Hunter, who runs dozens of leagues, raged: “It’s a kick in the teeth.”
Players using around 150 sites across Britain will be hit after leagues were deemed for the first time to be hiring from commercial sports companies.
The decision was immediately condemned by MPs — 30 of whom signed a Commons petition against it.
The knock-on effect if pitch owners feel the pinch could jeopardise free daytime use of the surfaces currently enjoyed by up to 600,000 schoolkids.
Former sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: “It is crazy.”
Yesterday five-a-side fans across Britain, including Simon Beck, John Calvert and Dan Rust, told The Sun of their disgust.
IT manager Simon, 33, from Norwich, said: “It’s hardly going to get school children interested in sport.
Last night the taxman said: “Supplies made by commercial sports league providers are liable to the standard rate of VAT.”
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