Scrap VAT on five-a-side football: Telegraph gives tax officials food for thought over grab for back tax A senior spokesman for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs told Telegraph Sport on Friday it had made an "operational call" not to pursue "back tax." But the exchequer appeared to backtrack just a few hours later, saying only that "paying VAT arrears will always depend on the exact circumstances of each case." The spokesman added that any league provider facing difficulty paying their bill should discuss "possible time to pay arrangements" with the exchequer. The confusion came on the third day of our campaign to halt VAT being charged to five-a-side players, with Sir Steve Redgrave on Friday night lending his support. He said he was "very surprised" at attempts to charge the tax, which could see a kickabout cost each player as much as £7.50 per session. Thousands of five-a-side games a week are organised by league companies, which have not paid VAT for decades. But HMRC argues these leagues provide a service, not just land, and should therefore be taxed. Five-times Olympic champion Redgrave said: "I always thought sports clubs were VAT exempt so I am very surprised that they are going down that avenue as a fundraiser. What is probably going to happen is people are going to be less active and that will put more stress on the NHS so we will be paying out a lot more in different ways. We have got to have sport and activity as cheap as we can possibly make it to engage people to do it. We don't want to give people an excuse not to be involved. If prices are going up because VAT is being charged, that is not right. An HMRC spokesman said: "Paying VAT arrears will always depend on the exact circumstances of each case. Many of the leagues are already charging VAT and it is important everyone plays by the same rules. Any league provider facing difficulty in paying their VAT bill should approach HMRC to discuss possible time to pay arrangements. Add your support We have launched an online petition to the Treasury opposing VAT on five-a-side football. To add your name and show your support go to telegraph.co.uk/fiveaside