Former France Midfielder Samir Nasri Targeted in French Tax Residency Case
French authorities are pursuing former football star Samir Nasri over alleged back taxes, with court documents citing Deliveroo orders to a Paris address as evidence that he was fiscally resident in France rather than Dubai. The case has sparked controversy, with Nasri's lawyer arguing that the retired player is being unfairly singled out and that the principle of presumption of innocence is under attack.
Details of the Tax Allegations and Legal Proceedings
According to court filings, French tax officials estimate that Nasri, aged 38, might owe more than 5.5 million euros (approximately $6.3 million) in wealth and income taxes for the period from 2018 to 2025. In March, a Paris court approved the temporary seizure of some of Nasri's assets, including bank accounts and a provisional mortgaging of one of his Paris properties, to cover any potential tax arrears. This ruling is currently under appeal by his legal team, who contest the seizure and the alleged tax debt, labeling the figure as "imaginary."
Jean-Noël Sanchez, Nasri's lawyer, stated in a phone interview with The Associated Press that the broader question of whether Nasri owes back taxes could take years to resolve. He emphasized that Nasri files tax returns and pays taxes on revenues earned in France, describing him as a "perfect French citizen." However, Sanchez accused France of targeting individuals living in the United Arab Emirates, where Nasri resides with his partner and their son, who attends school there.
Evidence Cited in the Case: Deliveroo Orders and Travel Records
The court's decision to seize assets was based on arguments that Nasri should be considered a tax resident in France. Key evidence included Deliveroo orders and airline reservations. Documents allege that Nasri spent a total of 487 days in France between 2021 and 2023, compared to 226 days in the UAE. Specifically, he was said to have used Deliveroo 212 times in 2022 to have meals delivered to one of his Paris addresses.
Sanchez challenged this evidence, questioning whether Nasri personally placed the orders. He suggested that family members or friends could have been responsible, stating, "The administration might today believe that it's on solid ground in saying that he lives in France, but it will have to prove that. And that is not going to be proven by the 212 Deliveroos." He further expressed frustration, noting that the case undermines the presumption of innocence.
Background on Samir Nasri and Broader Implications
Samir Nasri is a former France international midfielder who played for clubs including Marseille, Arsenal, and Manchester City before retiring. The tax dispute highlights ongoing issues with how countries determine residency for tax purposes, particularly for high-profile individuals with international lifestyles. This case could set a precedent for similar investigations involving athletes and celebrities who split their time between multiple countries.
As the legal battle continues, Nasri's team remains defiant, arguing that the evidence is insufficient to prove fiscal residency. The outcome may influence future tax enforcement strategies and raise questions about privacy and the use of digital records in legal proceedings.
