Claude Makelele is currently facing a request for administrative assistance in tax matters from France, reportedly related to his investments in Servette FC, as stated in the Federal Sheet, a Swiss official publication.
The Swiss authorities, as part of cooperation between the two countries, have asked Makelele to appoint a representative in Switzerland authorized to receive notifications or to provide an address in the country. This request aims to prevent double taxation or tax fraud. Makelele’s financial involvement in Servette FC in 2004, a group that subsequently went bankrupt, is believed to be the focal point of this tax inquiry.
At present, Swiss authorities await Makelele’s response before deciding whether to transmit information to French tax authorities. Makelele also has the option to contest the matter before a Swiss administrative court. However, there is currently no indication that the case will proceed to that extent.
In 2004, former Servette FC president Marc Roger brought Makelele, whom he represented as an agent, into the ownership structure of the Geneva club. Makelele’s shareholding was reported to be between 5% and 10%. However, the club faced financial difficulties and eventually went bankrupt. Marc Roger was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison for mismanagement and forgery of securities.
Tags: Claude Makelele, France, tax, PSG, Switzerland, Servette FC
