MARK OGREN admits he was aware of Dundee United’s research and development claim – but regrets not finding out more about it.
The Terrors are among a group of clubs under investigation following their 2021 tax submission.
Under HMRC’s rules a company can apply for public cash if it has attempted advances in science or technology to benefit an overall field.
United’s tax consultant at the time reportedly made several claims, including the fact players spent 24% of their time conducting research and development into nutrition and data collection projects.
That then allowed United to use the scheme to recoup that portion of players’ wages from the taxpayer.
American owner Ogren insists the club have been in close dialogue with HMRC, with funds set aside to cover any penalties that are dished out.
Read more football stories
IT’S OUR TYNE
People are fed up of Old Firm wining everything – this could be Hearts’ time
TOTE’S WORTH IT
Get £40 in free bets and bonuses when you stake £10 on football with Tote
But he wishes he had examined the proposals in more detail when they were flagged to him initially.
Asked if he had known the club were pursuing the claims, he said: “Yes, I did. This was several years ago.
“I was told we were doing some creative and innovative things on the football side, that this R&D was out there and other people were doing it.
“We had a third party that was helping us, so I was aware of it. I clearly wasn’t aware of the details of everything.
“Believe me, I know a lot more about it now than I did at the time, let me just say that. Do I regret not asking for more details?
“Of course. I hate being in this position. There were questions asked at the time but I didn’t delve into the details as to exactly what we were doing.
“We brought somebody in from the outside to spearhead this then worked with an outside firm. This is what they did for a living. So, at the time, I felt we were pretty covered with that.”
Asked if he felt misled, he said: “I’m not going to comment on that.”
English Premier League teams Chelsea, Fulham and Nottingham Forest have reportedly made similar claims.
It’s thought an outcome is now close and Ogren admits he will be glad to draw a line under the matter.
In Dundee for the club’s AGM yesterday, he said: “Unfortunately, the struggle that we have at this point is the length of time that has passed.
“There isn’t anybody at the club right now who had anything to do with the actual submission.
“Our finance director James Robertson has had to roll up his sleeves and work with a third party – because there have been a lot of questions asked – to provide the information.
“I feel like we’re in a good place with HMRC right now. It’s going to be coming to a head quite soon and we’re going to get it behind us one way or the other.
“But we feel like whatever the outcome, it’s manageable for the club. In not knowing exactly the sum, we’ve already put something in last year’s accounts that’s set aside for this.
“To tell you how long it’s been going on, we made reference in the previous year’s accounts.
“Now, here we are. It’s still not resolved. But this time we actually put some numbers in because we’re a little further along in that review.
“HMRC is determining the date and time of an outcome but we’re not the only one that they’re pursuing on this.”
News of United’s claim has sparked anger over the fact public money was being used to pay players.
Ogren added: “I understand that. That’s my unequivocal answer on that.
“But I also think that there are some people out there reporting information where they don’t know the whole truth.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
TEXT CLAIMS
Glasgow City Council chief resigns immediately over discovery of text messages
CLOSING TIME
High street shoe chain shuts 39 stores as sales drop
“There’s some additional information we could be sharing that would offset some of the things that are out there.
“We feel like it’s not in our best interest to respond, because then it just becomes a back-and-forth. We’re dealing with it – and we just want to assure everybody out there that it’s under control.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
