Gary Lineker Set to Appear at Upper Tribunal to Resolve £5 Million Tax Dispute with HMRC as He Announces End of Match of the Day Career in the UK

Gary Lineker is once again entangled in a legal battle with HMRC, this time over a nearly £5 million tax dispute.

The 63-year-old football icon and TV presenter is scheduled to appear at the Upper Tribunal on December 2 and 3, following HMRC’s appeal of a favorable ruling he received in March 2023 regarding a £4.9 million tax bill.

The case revolves around whether Lineker should have been classified as a full-time employee of the BBC and BT Sport for his presenting work between 2013 and 2018, rather than as a freelancer.

Taxman’s Claims and Lineker’s Defense

HMRC argues that Lineker should have been treated as an employee, suggesting he used a partnership with his ex-wife Danielle Bux to avoid proper taxation.

However, Lineker’s legal team, in the previous hearing, maintained that all taxes were properly paid through this arrangement.

The dispute hinges on the application of the IR35 legislation, which targets disguised employment to prevent tax avoidance.

A judge had previously ruled in Lineker’s favor, concluding that the contracts between Lineker and the BBC/BT Sport were direct and therefore not subject to IR35.

New Developments in Lineker’s Career

While Lineker continues to face legal challenges, his professional career is also undergoing significant changes.

The BBC recently announced that Lineker had extended his contract with them through to the 2026 World Cup.

However, he will step down from hosting Match of the Day (MotD) at the end of the current season after 26 years at the helm.

This move comes as the show “evolves” to meet changing viewing habits.

In a brief statement, Lineker expressed his gratitude for his continued partnership with BBC Sport but did not directly address his departure from MotD.

A New Chapter with The Rest is Football Podcast

Despite leaving his role as host of Match of the Day, Lineker is far from stepping away from broadcasting.

He will continue his involvement in sports coverage with BBC, including leading the 2026 World Cup broadcasts.

Additionally, Lineker’s popular podcast, The Rest is Football, will be featured on the BBC Sounds app, marking a major shift in his media career.

The podcast, which has gained significant attention, will now reach a broader audience, and the exclusive deal with BBC Sounds is expected to be financially lucrative for Lineker.

Future Prospects

The deal for The Rest is Football to stream on BBC Sounds is seen as a strategic move, boosting Lineker’s reach and revenue potential.

Although BBC listeners won’t hear advertisements, the podcast’s integration into the BBC’s platform offers a substantial opportunity for increased visibility and higher promotional fees on other platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Brand and culture expert Nick Ede believes this arrangement will greatly benefit Lineker, further solidifying his position in the sports media landscape.

Despite the legal and career challenges, Lineker’s next steps appear promising, with both his legal defense and broadcasting ventures set to unfold in the coming months.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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