Rio Ferdinand faces backlash for ‘man of the people’ remarks from Dubai
Rio Ferdinand has found himself at the centre of a fierce online backlash after describing himself as a “man of the people” while living in Dubai, a jurisdiction where residents pay no income tax, reports BritPanorama.
The former Manchester United defender, now 47, relocated to the Gulf in August with his wife, Kate, and their children. His remarks, made while serving as one of FIFA’s presenters for Friday’s World Cup draw in Washington DC, triggered immediate accusations of hypocrisy from supporters who pointed out that he no longer contributes tax to the UK system.
Dubai’s appeal for high-earning expatriates is well known. The emirate levies no personal income tax, no tax on salaries or wages, and no capital gains tax. Wealthy foreign workers can therefore retain their full earnings, paying only consumption-based charges such as VAT at five per cent. Because Ferdinand is tax-resident in the UAE, he is not liable for UK income tax unless he receives taxable UK-sourced earnings, a central reason critics have seized on his claim of being aligned with ordinary supporters.
The controversy began when BBC reporter Dan Roan asked Ferdinand whether ticket prices risked excluding fans from next summer’s expanded World Cup across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Ferdinand replied: “I am a man of the people in terms of I’m from a place where we were always hoping for things to be accessible. I know that the people behind the scenes at FIFA are aiming and working to something like that now, whether they get there for that remains to be seen.”
Fans were unimpressed, however. Typical responses included: “Man of the people whilst sunning it up in Dubai dodging taxes,” and, “Man of the people; living the king’s life in tax-free Dubai and tomorrow taking the FIFA shilling working as part of the draw team. Nice one Rio.” Another wrote: “I’m a man of the people but I have moved to Dubai to avoid paying tax that may go to… checks notes… the people.” Many pointed out that he no longer contributes to UK funding for “schools, hospitals and pensions for the elderly.”
The debate comes as FIFA faces further anger over dynamic ticket pricing for the 2026 tournament. Group-stage seats start at $60 (£44.69), rising to $6,730 (£5,013) for the final — although prices may fluctuate depending on demand. A FIFA official explained: “We will adapt prices as per the demand we see, as per the remaining inventory… We do not intend at all to change prices every five minutes.” England supporters are expected to feel the impact sharply, given the likelihood of heavy travelling numbers. Ferdinand will be central to Friday’s star-studded draw.
Away from work, he continues to split family life between Dubai and England, where sons Lorenz and Tate — from his first marriage — remain as academy players at Brighton. Last month he defended his relocation, citing quality of life, safety, and schooling. “In Dubai, it feels like they’re valued and the lifestyle means that they’re happy and vibrant with a good energy for the kids,” he said. “Lifestyle, safety, weather, and just a new life. I wanted a new chapter.”
In the end, Ferdinand’s declaration serves as a reminder of the often complex relationship between wealth, public service, and the expectations of sporting figures; a case study in how perceptions can quickly shift when living in a world where tax obligations are simply a matter of address.
