JORDAN HENDERSON is now banking £700,000 a week tax free in Saudi Arabia.
Yet while the Pro League is a guaranteed cash bonanza for players, the situation is not so certain for the managers.
The Financial Uncertainty for Managers in the Saudi Pro League
They don’t enjoy the same contract protection as players.
Steven Gerrard is managing Al-Ettifaq while his pal Robbie Fowler is in charge of second-tier side Al-Qadsiah in a neighbouring city.
Yet both bosses are more than aware that they are expected to bring instant success and both will be sacked if results dip. Fowler in particular is under pressure.
And here is where the financial situation could get messy.
Steven Gerrard could face a huge tax bill if he is sacked by Al-Ettifaq
Credit: EPA
If either boss gets the boot in the next two years and returns to England — which is entirely possible — they will be hit with a huge bill from HMRC.
Both players and bosses must remain out of the country for a full tax year for their earnings to remain tax-free — not normally a problem for the players.
Also, Henderson, Gerrard and Fowler are allowed to return to the UK — but for no more than 91 days in the tax year.
Since taking over Al-Ettifaq in July, has lost just one of his competitive five matches in charge.
The Challenges for Managers in the Saudi Pro League
Managing in the Saudi Pro League comes with its own set of challenges, especially for foreign managers like Gerrard and Fowler.
The pressure to deliver instant success is immense, and any dip in results can lead to swift termination. This puts managers like Fowler under significant pressure to perform.
However, the financial implications of being sacked can be even more daunting. If a manager is sacked and returns to their home country within the next two years, they will face a hefty tax bill from HMRC.
Unlike players, who enjoy tax-free earnings, managers must remain outside of the country for a full tax year to maintain their tax-free status. This can be a challenge for managers who may need to return to their home country for personal or professional reasons.
In the case of Henderson, Gerrard, and Fowler, they are allowed to return to the UK for a maximum of 91 days in a tax year. This limited time frame can make it difficult for managers to balance their personal and professional commitments.
The Financial Risks for Managers Returning to England
If Gerrard or Fowler were to be sacked and return to England within the next two years, they would face a substantial tax bill from HMRC. This could significantly impact their financial situation and potentially undo the benefits of their high-paying contracts in Saudi Arabia.
The financial risks faced by managers highlight the disparity between their contract protection and that of players. While players enjoy lucrative tax-free earnings, managers are left vulnerable to potential financial burdens if they are unable to meet the expectations placed upon them.
Managing in the Saudi Pro League may offer significant financial rewards, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. For managers like Gerrard and Fowler, the pressure to succeed is high, and the financial implications of failure can be severe.
As Henderson continues to thrive in Saudi Arabia, it remains to be seen how Gerrard and Fowler will navigate the financial risks and uncertainties of managing in the Pro League. Only time will tell if they can achieve the success expected of them and avoid the potential tax pitfalls that come with their positions.
A win over Damac in their final match before the international break saw Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq remain in fifth place in the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, Fowler’s Al-Qadsiah is unbeaten in third place in the second tier.
Both managers will need to continue delivering positive results to secure their positions and mitigate the financial risks associated with managing in the Saudi Pro League.