The World Cup tax regime does not mean that every company working for FIFA would be exempt from tax

Mohamed Hamdache unpacks, for Le Matin, the tax regime for the 2030 World Cup, set out in the 2027 Finance Bill.

In the second part of this interview, the Tax Partner at Baker Tilly in Morocco clears up a misunderstanding: a company working for FIFA is not exempt from tax for that reason. The regime rests on four circles: only FIFA and its subsidiaries would be exempt on all their activities. A Moroccan company on FIFA’s list would invoice the organiser without VAT or withholding tax, but its profit would remain subject to corporate income tax. In his words: “it is flow neutrality with the organiser, not an exemption for the company.”

He also explains why he declines to put a figure on the revenue shortfall, for lack of data, and where the fiscal effort would be concentrated: VAT and media rights. He notes that the tax authorities could audit beneficiaries until 31 December 2031. His advice: document contracts and separate, in the accounts, what relates to the tournament.