Gareth Southgate set for knighthood after he is cleared over controversial tax scheme

Former England boss Gareth Southgate is set to receive a knighthood after being cleared over a controversial tax scheme.

The 54-year-old reached two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final while in charge of the Three Lions and was set to be knighted back in 2020. However, the plans were halted after it became clear Southgate was on a ‘tax risk’ list due to a series of film investment deals he made.

Southgate was one of several well-known figures who ploughed cash into Ingenious Media – a company known for investing in the film industry. However, the deals were scrutinised by HMRC over fears it was a front to help reduce tax bills.

An investigation has since cleared the coach of any wrongdoing though, so he’s finally expected to be included in the New Year Honours List in 2025, according to The Sun. Southgate stepped down from the role as national team boss back in July and is currently unemployed.

A knighthood would see him rank alongside World Cup-winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey and managerial great Sir Bobby Robson.

A source said: “Gareth deserves the knighthood and people in high places want to honour him. He was a tremendous servant to England and came close to leading the team to their first silverware since 1966. Gareth has also been a great role model and is a hugely respected public figure.”

Ministers rarely hand out the prestigious title to those in the footballing world with Kenny Dalglish the last former pro to receive the honour back in 2018.

Tax issues are said to be why ex-Three Lions captain David Beckham hasn’t ever received a knighthood so Southgate isn’t alone in being snubbed. However, the source continued: “Now it seems he has cleared all the checks, and people at Westminster are talking about him becoming ‘Sir Gareth’.”