Revenue criticised for 'chasing Mayo GAA volunteers for a few thousand euros'

THE probe by the Revenue Commissioners into Mayo GAA expenses could have far-reaching implications.

Revenue is currently examining the potential tax liability on expense payments to referees, as well as managers, players and other costs in the running of the association.

While Mayo GAA chairperson Seamus Tuohy said the county board is determined to give referees clarity in relation to the expenses they receive for officiating matches as soon as possible, the referees' coordinator, Sean Mac Éil, said some refs may decide to opt out if the only payment they get in future is for travel. “And I can't see how Mayo County Board can pay any other way,” he added.

Mr. Mac Éil estimated the average payment for referees at between €1,600 and €1,800 per annum based on fees or around €30 or €35 for underage games and €40 for senior games and officiating 40 or 50 each year.

“If it was lucrative, I'm surprised more people aren't coming into refereeing,” he said as he criticised Revenue for 'chasing voluntees for a few thousand euros' while the government can give a concession of €80 million in tax free winnings to the greyhound industry, as was widely reported recently.

Mr. Mac Éil urged Croke Park to put pressure on the government to bring about a resolution to the issue.

He concluded: “I'll be sitting down with referees in mid-January and this will be the first item on the agenda. There might be some changes in the interim, but it is unlikely. It will be very difficult to find referees unless there are changes. Hopefully there will be a satisfactory outcome.”

Mr. Tuohy said: “I know that many referees are concerned about what this will mean for the expenses payments they receive for officiating a match, but I am confident we will arrive at a settlement with Revenue on this.

"Our target is to clear up some of the grey areas on expense payments, and we should have clear guidelines in the new year.”