Harry Redknapp might have problems other than Her Majesty’s Revenue people to deal with as a result of an investigation into his tax payments. Redknapp, along with Peter Storrie and Portsmouth Chairman Milan Mandaric are dealing with tax charges as the result of a two-year investigation into English football corruption.
Redknapp is accused of tax avoidance during his tenure as manager at Portsmouth and it seems it could now cost him the job at England FA, if he were convicted. Redknapp is thought to be a number one contender for the position being vacated by Fabio Capello after Euro 2012.
The General Secretary of the FA, Alex Horne, says that it is a matter that is far from decided, although he acknowledges that Harry Redknapp has managerial talent and feels certain he would be on a long-list of candidates for the job. Horne also acknowledges that Capello will not be leaving for another year and a half, and that anything can happen during that time.
Horne says that, to his knowledge, no list, long or short, has yet been developed. There are many candidates to consider, he says, and Harry Redknapp would certainly be among them.
Enthusiasts and experts alike contend that the FA has its sights on Redknapp, but confirm that a tax conviction could wipe out his chances. It would be very embarrassing should an England manager be found not to be paying his proper taxes, especially even before he becomes manager, they say.
Redknapp has expressed his personal wish to manage England, although the FA says they have not sounded him out about it.
No matter what, he will have to deal with this tax situation first.