Everton defender Ben Godfrey's plan to switch to Serie A hit a roadblock because of a change in Italian tax laws known as the 'David Beckham Law.' This is one of the first examples of how 'Beckham Law' can influence teams in Italy.
In Spain, they called it the Beckham Law because of David Beckham's move to Real Madrid in 2003. This law let rich foreign people pay only 24% income tax for their first six years in the country.
Godfrey hasn't seen much playtime at Everton, clocking in only three Premier League appearances under coach Sean Dyche. Godfrey eyed a move to Atalanta, supported by a recommendation from Carlo Ancelotti. A £15 million transfer seemed in the works until talks about personal terms hit a snag due to the change in the law.
The Crescita Decree, as it's known in Italy, provided a tax discount for high-earning foreign players, making Italy an attractive destination. But now, with the law gone, players like Godfrey might see their transfer deals fall through. Lazio president Claudio Lotito isn't pleased with the change, fearing it might impact the competitiveness of the league.
Lotito said to Notizie: "They [the government] will realise their mistake. The state will not receive money either. If you attract a foreigner who pays taxes in Italy, it will be better than one who does not come and pays nothing, right? Our league will lose competitiveness!"
"Last year there were three Italian teams in European finals, now we will see. The next teams will be decided by the Footballers’ Association since they did everything possible to cancel the rule."
"Some clubs will be destroyed, and in the middle there are Milan, Juventus and Roma."
