French Authorities Target Former Soccer Star Samir Nasri in Multi-Million Euro Tax Dispute, Citing Deliveroo Orders as Key Evidence

Samir Nasri Faces €5.5 Million Tax Battle: Deliveroo Orders Key Evidence in Residency Dispute

PARIS – Former France international and celebrated midfielder Samir Nasri finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with French tax authorities, who are seeking over 5.5 million euros ($6.3 million) in alleged back taxes. In an unusual turn, evidence presented in court includes numerous Deliveroo food delivery orders made to a Paris address, used by prosecutors to challenge Nasri’s claim of fiscal residency in Dubai.

Accusations and Asset Seizure

The 38-year-old former star, known for his stints with top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City, is accused by French authorities of owing wealth and income taxes spanning the period from 2018 to 2025. The escalating dispute led a Paris court in March to approve the temporary seizure of some of Nasri’s assets, including bank accounts, and a provisional mortgage on one of his Paris properties, as a protective measure to cover any eventual tax arrears.

The Residency Dispute: France vs. UAE

At the heart of the legal argument is Nasri’s primary place of residence for tax purposes. French authorities contend that their investigation reveals Nasri spent a significant portion of his time on French soil. Court documents indicate he was present in France for 487 days between 2021 and 2023, starkly contrasting with the 226 days he spent in the United Arab Emirates during the same period.

Deliveroo Orders: A Modern Twist in Evidence

Adding a particularly modern and compelling twist to the case, prosecutors highlighted an extensive record of 212 Deliveroo orders delivered to one of Nasri’s Paris addresses in 2022 alone. This digital footprint of daily life is being leveraged as key evidence to dispute his proclaimed residency abroad and establish a strong connection to France during the period in question.

Nasri’s Defense: Unfair Targeting and “Imaginary” Estimates

However, Nasri’s lawyer, Jean-Noël Sanchez, vehemently contests the allegations, portraying his client as a victim of unfair targeting. In a recent interview, Sanchez dismissed the colossal 5.5 million euro tax estimate as “imaginary” and confirmed he is appealing the court’s seizure ruling. The lawyer insists that Nasri is a “perfect French citizen” who meticulously files tax returns and pays taxes on all income earned within France.

Sanchez underscored that Nasri, along with his partner and their son, is genuinely based in the UAE, where his son attends school. He challenged the weight of the Deliveroo evidence, questioning whether the orders were indeed placed by Nasri himself or by family members or friends. “The administration might today believe that it’s on solid ground in saying that he lives in France, but it will have to prove that. And that is not going to be proven by the 212 Deliveroos,” Sanchez stated, emphasizing the principle of presumption of innocence.

A Protracted Legal Battle

The legal battle is expected to be a protracted one, with Sanchez suggesting it could be years before a definitive decision is reached on whether Nasri ultimately owes the substantial back taxes. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny by tax authorities on high-net-worth individuals who claim residency in lower-tax jurisdictions, using modern data points, such as food delivery records, to establish fiscal ties.