Could Decathlon CMA CGM's Swiss licence move savings be jeopardised? - French law could still spell tax complications for team
Cycling
Decathlon CMA GCM's corporate operations move to Switzerland is expected to save the team millions of euro in tax contributions as the French team attempt to increase their financial capabilities in negotiations to keep star rider Paul Seixas with the team beyond his 2027 contract expiration. However, one complication could put the savings in jeopardy.
In effect, Decathlon have moved their corporate operations to Switzerland in recent months and are registered in Geneva. However, the team retain its French sporting identity, including their performance center in La Motte-Servolex and a French UCI licence.
The move is expected to offer significant savings when it comes to employer social security contributions for employed riders. Typically, the rate is around 6-10% of salaries in Geneva, compared to a much higher 25-30% in France.
“On a multi-million-euro salary, that difference translates to hundreds of thousands of euros per year, per rider,” Tax lawyer Jonathan Bensaid told Eurosport.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon could save millions in tax
Put simply, the team can save considerable amounts of money for all riders on their roster with a reduced employer social security contribution. The team currently have 28 riders registered for 2027, meaning that the move is projected to save the team several million euro per season. Thus, offering the team greater flexibility when it comes to a potential Seixas contract renewal.
However, complications could arise regarding the team's sporting identity and operations in France. According to Bensaid, if French authorities deem that the management and day-to-day activities of the team are in France, they could be considered a French employer.
"In general, with a setup like this, if the effective management remains in France, the French authorities may treat the company as a French entity; if the performance centre constitutes a 'permanent establishment,' it effectively becomes an employer under French law.
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French law could spoil potential savings
"From a sporting perspective, the team can remain French. However, from a social and fiscal standpoint, the entire point of the move is precisely to stop being French."
Decathlon's bid to retain the services of Seixas come after the 20-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2026 season, winning Fleche Wallone, Itzulia Basque Country and Il Lombardia. He also made history at the Tour de France, becoming the youngest participant in 89 years.
Not only was he the youngest, but he also finished in fourth place overall, making him one of the hottest properties in cycling as mega-teams such as UAE Team Emirates - XRG and Visma | Lease a Bike circle in an intensifying contract battle.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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