In an interview with Marine Fleury for the feature “From Sport to Wealth Management: The Decisive Pass”, Jacques Messeca outlines how legal and tax support for professional athletes has evolved in France. He explains why coordination between the country of departure and the country of arrival has become essential.
Increasingly structured support, well before contracts are signed
Legal advisers first step in to secure contracts with clubs and agreements with event organisers. The request may come from the athlete, their agent or, increasingly, French and international family offices.
A wealth-holding company to prepare for life after sport
A wealth-holding company makes it possible to create an investment pool separate from professional income, particularly to prepare for a post-career transition. It may hold a real estate company or bring together real estate and diversified investments in France and abroad. Franklin advises on the legal and tax structuring, but not on financial management.
International transfers and image rights
The firm supports the player throughout the entire value chain, including transfers, loans and the management of image rights. One example cited is that of a footballer transferred to the Premier League, where the club may remunerate the player both through salary and image rights, a structure that does not exist in France.
Tax residence and the risk of double taxation
A transfer during the tax year may lead two states to consider themselves competent to tax the player. This must therefore be anticipated in coordination with local tax advisers.
Impatriate regime and self-employed athletes
Subject to certain conditions and for a limited period, the impatriate regime may provide a partial exemption on net salary. For self-employed athletes, tax residence is the result of a strategic decision.
A network of correspondents in the world’s leading football countries
Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Turkey, the Gulf countries and the United States. This network has been built through experience and Jacques Messeca’s involvement with the International Association of Football Lawyers (AIAF).
Jacques Messeca’s advice is to anticipate and coordinate
Adopt a “mirror” approach between the country of departure and the country of arrival, and bring together the player, their agent, their family office and their advisers.
« Tax authorities in each country have a better understanding of athletes’ status. »
— Jacques Messeca, Partner, Franklin
Read the article in Décideurs Patrimoine.
Are you an athlete, agent or family office preparing for a transfer or wealth structuring? Contact the Franklin team.
