Bridge is not a sport!: A court rules
There has been much debate as to what is a sport? The decision of whether it means simply an activity shared among a team, or whether there’s more to it. Now, the European Court of Justice has given their answer, and it is bad news for Bridge fanatics.
A legal claim was made by the English Bridge Union (EBU) for the card game to be given the status of a sport. However after months of contemplation judges in the Luxembourg court have ruled that a sport must involve “a not negligible physical element”. The EBU had been seeking VAT exemption on the entry fees to its competitions, something that is granted to events classified as sports.
While Bridge and other card games of its kind challenge the mental capacity of its player, its lack of physicality does not make it a ‘sport’ as ruled by the EU court. The claim had been recommended by the court’s advocate general Maciej Szpunar, who had insisted that ‘sport’ be categorised as the “training of mental or physical fitness that is beneficial to the health and well being of citizens”. The Luxembourg court did not agree.
Not all is lost for Bridge fans however, as the court did suggest that the game be eligible for the VAT exemption as a vital part of British culture. The court claimed the game could hold “such a place in the social and cultural heritage of a country that it may be regarded as forming part of its culture”.
This exemption could make the game cheaper and more accessible. The EBU hoped for a “six-figure rebate” to reinvest in the game. This decision came as “a surprise, and a disappointment”.
More than any other card game, there seems to be varied opinion on how best to categorise Bridge. In Austria, Belgium, Denmark and France the game’s classed as a sport for tax purposes, while in Ireland and Sweden it’s not.
The Credit Protection Association is a credit management company established in 1914. If you supply goods or services on credit then we can help you!
Keep up to date with the latest news by following us on social media:-
What can CPA do for you?
Read our blog – The Hidden cost of slower payers.
Read Our Blog – How to overcome common excuses for non-payment
Read our blog – Debt collection agency
Read our Cash Flow Advice
Read about our overdue account recovery service
Read our blog – What is credit management?
Read our blog -What is a credit management company?
Read our blog -Credit Management that works!
Read our blog – How to select a debt collection agency
click to see read about our successes
Please call us on 0330 053 9263 to discuss how CPA can help your cashflow. Alternatively, either email us or use our contact form.