Last week, a powerful moment unfolded in the heart of British democracy — the launch of the V11 Foundation at Parliament. Eleven former Premier League footballers, known collectively as the V11, stood together not to celebrate sporting victories, but to demand justice — and to call for meaningful reform in the laws that currently leave victims of financial wrongdoing in limbo. Who Are the V11? The V11 Foundation represents a group of former professional footballers who, having earned their livelihoods on the pitch, fell victim to complex investment schemes marketed as secure and beneficial. These schemes — marketed in the 1990s and 2000s — eventually collapsed, leaving the players facing enormous tax penalties from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) despite being recognised as victims of fraud by law enforcement. Instead of being protected, many have been left grappling with mounting liabilities, bankruptcies, lost assets, and ongoing stress. Their experience has drawn comparisons to other high-profile scandals where ordinary people were failed by the system, highlighting deep structural issues in how fraud victims are treated by law and enforcement. A Letter to the Prime Minister Following the Parliament launch, the V11 Foundation sent a heartfelt letter to the Prime Minister, urging urgent action on their behalf. In that letter, they appealed for government intervention to address the unjust consequences they continue to face — even after official recognition as victims. The crux of their appeal centres on one key point: If someone is officially recognised as a victim of criminal wrongdoing, they should not continue to be pursued for penalties directly resulting from that wrongdoing. Their letter calls on the Prime Minister to ensure fairness in how tax liabilities are assessed and enforced when fraud is at the core of the loss — and to reconsider how the law currently treats such cases. Launching a Foundation — But Also a Movement The V11 Foundation isn’t just a support group for the individuals affected; it’s a movement aimed at championing change. At Parliament, the former players shared powerful testimony about how their financial futures were derailed by what they described as manipulative advisers and opaque schemes. Their aim is clear: to ensure that no other athlete, or any individual, is left unprotected and left alone to fight an uphill battle when they fall victim to financial fraud. IFC’s Commitment to Working Together for Reform The Investment Fraud Committee — welcomes the formation of the V11 Foundation and stands in solidarity with its mission. We believe: Fair treatment under the law should include recognition of victim status in all related legal, tax and financial consequences. Regulatory reform is needed to close gaps that allow mis-selling and unregulated investment schemes to flourish. Stronger protections and clearer avenues for redress must be established for victims of financial wrongdoing. Our campaign will focus on collaborating with the V11 Foundation to lobby Parliament, engage with policymakers, and raise public awareness of the systemic issues highlighted by the V11’s story. We see their struggle not only as a matter of individual justice, but as a broader call for reform — one that intersects with financial regulation, taxpayer fairness, criminal justice, and the rights of victims. A Call to Action The launch of the V11 Foundation and the subsequent appeal to the Prime Minister mark a pivotal moment in the fight for fairness and accountability. The IFC is proud to work alongside the V11 in campaigning for much-needed reform. Together, we will continue to: Amplify the voices of victims Engage lawmakers on statutory changes Promote financial protections for sportspeople and the wider public Justice doesn’t just mean recognition — it means changing the system so fewer people have to suffer the same fate.