Kaizer Chiefs star faces R6.1m tax trouble with SARS

by Kelebogile Matlou

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Gaston Sirino is facing a serious legal and financial crisis after reportedly failing to pay R6.1 million in personal income tax. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has taken firm steps against the Uruguayan footballer, escalating the matter to the Johannesburg High Court following his apparent failure to respond to a formal letter of demand issued in March 2025.

Sirino received a harsh warning from SARS on his unpaid taxes, stating, “According to the records of the South African Revenue Service, you have failed to pay your tax debt for one or more tax years and periods.” The letter read, according to the Sunday World. The letter gave him ten days to settle the entire sum. According to Sunday World, the Uruguayan has reportedly refused to pay R6.1 million in outstanding personal tax.

image: Soccer Laduma

SARS has responded by requesting a default judgment, alleging that the footballer has failed to fulfill his tax obligations. The revenue service is now threatening drastic actions, such as asset seizures, civil judgments, and the use of banks or employers as third parties to collect the money that is owing to it.

 “Failure to make full payment or use the above remedies may result in the following actions and possibly others. SARS may appoint any third party who presently or in the future will owe you money or hold money for you to settle your tax debt with this money. A civil judgment is being entered against you, in which case a warrant of execution may be issued for the sheriff of the court to attach and sell your assets,” said SARS.

Sirino’s silence has placed both his reputation and assets at risk, leaving him with a critical decision comply with SARS’ demands or face severe consequences, including public embarrassment and asset forfeiture. With the spotlight now on the Chiefs star, fans and the public alike await his next move in this growing financial scandal.