LONDON (AP) — Britain is relaxing its tax rules to lure Usain Bolt and other top international athletes to compete at this summer’s Diamond League event in London’s Olympic Stadium.
The British government has agreed to an amnesty that will allow foreigners to compete tax-free at the London Grand Prix on July 27 — the anniversary of the opening ceremony of the London Games.
British treasury chief George Osborne says he is “delighted to grant this exemption” and that the government “is determined to do everything possible to secure the Olympic legacy.”
Britain imposes taxes on appearance fees and prize money for non-resident athletes when they compete in the country. Bolt, the Olympic champion at 100 and 200 meters, hasn’t raced in British meets since 2009 because of the tax rule.
