The French tax authorities have launched a major tax reassessment procedure against Samir Nasri, a former French international with 41 caps and current pundit for Canal+. To guarantee the recovery of the amount claimed, the Treasury has registered a judicial mortgage on a property located in Paris and obtained a seizure of his bank accounts at Edmond de Rothschild. The debt is estimated at €5,51 million, including €5,25 million in back income tax for the period 2020-2022. Initiated in July 2025, this precautionary measure was validated on March 12 by the Paris Judicial Court.
His tax residence is at the heart of the matter.
The dispute concerns the tax residency status in Dubai claimed by the former Manchester City and Marseille player. The tax authorities, on the other hand, maintain that the center of his vital interests and activities is in France. To support this position, they point out that Samir Nasri owns three properties in France and also highlight his regular work as a consultant for Canal+ since the end of 2021, including appearances in Paris for numerous broadcasts related to Champions League nights.
Stays in France, flight records and 212 Deliveroo orders
Among the evidence considered are airline records indicating that Samir Nasri spent between 126 and 208 days per year in France between 2021 and 2023. During the same period, his presence in the United Arab Emirates is estimated to have been between 42 and 124 days per year. Another piece of evidence was added to the case: 212 meals ordered via Deliveroo and delivered in Paris during 2022, a detail used to support the claim of a long-term residence in France.
Samir Nasri disputes the substance of the restructuring and the method used.
The defense team for the former Marseille player has appealed and criticized the measures, deeming them exceptional at this stage of the proceedings. Samir Nasri received a proposed tax adjustment at the beginning of March. He argues that his French income is already taxed and also highlights his banking ties with the United Kingdom. “The United Kingdom had exclusive control over its taxation before its relocation to the Emirates”"The footballer stated this, according to the business daily.
