Persepolis, Esteghlal tax payment deadline extended

Financial Tribune – TEHRAN, Iran’s National Tax Administration has agreed to extend the deadline for two Tehran-based football clubs Persepolis and Esteghlal to repay their tax arrears in six months, the spokesman of Majlis Economic Commission said.

“As such, the duo will be allowed to participate in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League,” ILNA quoted Rahim Zare’ as saying.

The Confederation has stressed that football clubs should not have unsettled debts, or else they will be denied permission to participate in the Champions League.

It was about a year ago that the bank accounts of the two Tehran-based clubs were blocked simultaneously over their outstanding debts.

Zare’ noted that Persepolis and Esteghlal have now 1.45 trillion rials ($38 million) and 1.3 trillion rials ($34 million) in tax arrears respectively, adding that half of the debts pertains to late-payment penalties.

In June, Chairman of Iran National Tax Administration of Tehran Province Mohammad Reza Nouri announced that for more transparency on the tax paid by football players, the administration has tasked the Iran Football League Organization to post all contracts on its website.

“Footballers are required to settle their tax liabilities before they can be granted the permission to participate in tournaments,” he added.

Nouri noted that INTA would take legal action against tax dodgers, including professional athletes, by imposing transfer restrictions.