Spanish tax office takes a special cut of players’ championship bonus

Spain's tax authorities could take close to €6m from the national team's World Cup winners' bonus if La Roja beat Argentina in Sunday's final, according to Marca.

The Spanish outlet reports that senior players have agreed a winner's payment of €754,701.92 each with the national federation. But the full amount will not land in their accounts.

Marca says 17 members of Spain's squad play for La Liga clubs or other teams in the country and are therefore subject to Spanish tax rules. On its estimate, the combined bonus for those 17 players would total about €12.8m, with roughly €6m going straight to the state.

Spanish media have responded with headlines mocking the tax take, framing the treasury as the big winner if Spain lift the trophy.