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Spanish League: Revenue & Prestige Of Spanish Football Is Key To Country’s Economy

Football is the biggest leisure industry in the country, so the tax benefits afforded to non-Spaniards must be kept in place, according to the LFP.

Nov 6, 2009 12:01:42 PM

Jose Luis Astiazaran - Spanish League

The Spanish Football League (LFP) has explained its decision to oppose the government's proposed tax reforms, which would see an increase in tax from 24 per cent to 43 per cent for foreigners earning an annual salary of over €600,000.

According to figures published in AS, the LFP have argued that the current system should be kept in place as football is "the 17th largest economy in the world" and "the biggest leisure industry in Spain".

The sport contributes €9,000 million to the economy, while it also provides 85,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The LFP are also eager to point out the prestige of the league. Around 174m people watch the Primera Division on the television in 160 countries, while they also cite the fact that it is "the most viewed competition in Europe and Latin America" and "the second most viewed in China".

The social aspect of the sport is also crucial for the LFP, who argue that "football contributes to equality between citizens" and "favours social inclusion". On the flip side of the coin, they believe the tax reforms "benefit the development of the country and don't develop football".

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

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