Should top footballers give up social benefits for the budget? "Those are real strong shoulders"

The discussion about social security contributions for top footballers has resurfaced amid budget negotiations. Vice premiers Maxime Prévot and Frank Vandenbroucke advocate for eliminating tax breaks for professional athletes, estimating potential savings of up to 100 million euros annually. They argue that the current system, established in the 1970s to protect young athletes, is outdated and unfair given the high salaries of modern footballers. Experts support reform, emphasizing that athletes should contribute equally to social security. The Pro League and MR chairman Georges-Louis Bouchez have not responded to these proposals. The financial impact of abolishing these benefits remains uncertain, but it could symbolize a shift in fiscal policy.