Clubs and associations owe millions to the public, while the public offers millions generously. Instead of orderliness, everyone tries to hide behind insults. Newbie politicians or those involved in politics try to hide behind their youth and get annoyed with criticism.
In any case, whether they like it or not, the facts are there, very specific, and everyone must respond to them without exception. Whether it’s football companies that have piled up millions of euros in debts to the state since July 1, 2007, or businesses that try to secure a satisfactory income from state funds through “offered services.”
All of these entities are, of course, partying on the backs of taxpayers and those who operate within the law. The funny thing is that the various taxes are called debts to the state!
But it seems that only certain categories have to pay their debts, while others can avoid paying because no one does anything to them. And if someone dares to say something, then there’s an easy solution… unleash the dogs that start barking to intimidate.
They believe that with the noise, they will create a safe curtain for their team or company. We have experienced something similar in the past with the curtain behind which some tried to hide the mistakes, omissions, and mismanagement in banking institutions.
As is well known, however, the price was not only paid by the bankers and the banks but by the entire country, especially those citizens who were diligent in their obligations and deposits.
Whether some like it or not, the reality is there. The state is owed VAT and tax by football clubs to the tune of 4.8 million euros. Out of 21 clubs, only 4 appear to have no outstanding debts.
According to data from the Ministry of Finance, the amount each club owes to the state as of 3 July 2024 (in alphabetical order) is as follows: AEK Larnaca 0.00, AEL 960,111.76, Ermis 41,269.36, APOEL 1,344,013.17, Anorthosis 374,721.17, Apollon 1,023,544.31, Doxa 500.00, Ethnikos Achnas 141,769.79, Nea Salamina 9.46, Omonoia Nicosia 24,181.14, Enosis Neon Paralimni 300.00, Karmiotissa 393.82, Pafos FC 775,881.79, Olympiakos Nicosia 0.00, Aris 500.00, PAEEK Keryneia 2,874.29, Akritas Chlorakas 0.00, Othellos Athienou 83,898.56, AEZ Zakakiou 0.00, Omonoia Aradippou 27,914.41, and Omonoia 29th of May 0.00. Total: 4,801,883.43 euros.
These are the current debts that the clubs must pay as VAT and tax obligations. What needs to be done, which is also their obligation under the law, everyone knows.
Let everyone who pays or is obliged to pay tax or VAT consider what would happen to them if they had debts not of a few dozen euros but hundreds of thousands or even a million.
These are debts that, according to the law, each company is obliged to pay. And the law has specific provisions for those who do not pay. There are also specific actions taken by the state in case tax debtors do not pay.
These are laws that everyone is obliged to adhere to and enforce. And I don’t believe there is anyone who disagrees with the general principle. But there is also something else everyone agrees on… “why does the other one get away with it, and why is the other one allowed that.”
Why write about Team A and not about Team B? Why write about Team C when it’s Team D that owes more? And everyone tries to shift their responsibility further down.
This was also the case with the Cooperative. And we know where it is today!
If the clubs do not repay their debts, perhaps in the end, the whole will pay, including football itself.
The state must act effectively and enforce its legislation. It must take measures against all citizens and not just a handful of individuals.
As for those who shout and curse, they would do a better service to themselves and their team if they pressured the clubs to pay their debts so they have a future.
