Lineker’s own goal!
MONDAY: He tweets that he won’t be named in Paradise Papers leak YESTERDAY: The files reveal he used offshore firm to avoid tax on a property in Barbados
GARY Lineker became the latest celebrity to become embroiled in the Paradise Papers row yesterday amid claims he avoided paying tax on his Barbados home.
The Match of the Day host was said to have bought a property using a company set up in the British Virgin Islands – allowing him to sell it tax-free.
The former soccer star was one of a number of celebrities who appeared to have used the scheme, it was reported.
His representatives said there had been ‘no tax irregularity’.
Lineker, 56, has previously faced criticism over his tax arrangements and he was quizzed on Twitter about whether his name would appear in the so-called Paradise Papers data leak.
Replying to a message earlier this week, when the offshore tax row first emerged, he tweeted: ‘I rather doubt I’ll be mentioned as I happily pay my taxes. Thanks for your concern.’ That message was shared repeatedly on social media yesterday after it was revealed he did feature in the massive data leak, and several Twitter users accused him of hypocrisy.
According to The Guardian, documents from the Paradise Papers revealed that he coowned a Barbados property through a company called Goalhanger Inc, registered in the British Virgin Islands.
Twice-divorced Lineker posted last night: ‘As far as I knew it was a bog standard arrangement encouraged at the time by Barbados to encourage folk to buy/build there, thus generating employment and tax revenue.
‘Property paid for with earnings already taxed in UK. All transparent & above board.’
Lineker bought a £2.2million mansion on the Caribbean island in 2005. The TV host’s agent did not respond to requests for comments.