Bridge not tiring enough to be a sport, court rules

BRUSSELS — Is a game such as bridge a sport? The European Union’s top court ruled Thursday that, when it comes to taxes, if there is no sweating, there is no sport.

The European Court of Justice announced in its ruling that “bridge, which is characterized by a physical element that appears to be negligible, is not covered by the concept of sport.”

The English Bridge Union, which has 55,000 members, wanted a tax exemption linked to sports so that entrance fees to tournaments can become more affordable.

British courts and officials have already refused, claiming a sport must have a significant element of physical activity.

The European court agreed, saying that, when considering value-added tax exemptions, sports should be “characterized by a not negligible physical element.” Its ruling disregarded the initial advice of its advocate general, an exceptional but not unique occurrence at the highest court in the 28-nation bloc.

The ruling left the English Bridge Union distraught.

“That bridge incorporated many of the attributes of more recognized sports, such as organized competition, training, and exertion, was not deemed sufficient,” the union said. “A large percentage of bridge players are from groups with limited disposable income — the retired and those in full-time education. Making the game cheaper for them to play would increase their levels of participation.”

Britain’s tax office said it welcomed the European court’s ruling, which confirmed its views about bridge.