European golf tour officials are in talks with the British government about changing certain tax laws that may deter top golfers from competing in this year’s Ryder Cup. The recent rules issued by the HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) allow the agency to tax endorsement and sponsorship earnings as well as player winnings. The agency’s rules have deterred Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt from competition’s in Britain.
Andre Agassi lost a landmark case against the agency four years ago regarding these rules and regulations. In light of the court’s ruling in this case, for example, if an athlete competes 40 percent of the time in Britain, that athlete’s global endorsement earnings can be taxed 40 percent.