Interesting item on AccountancyAge.com:  World Cup Parties Score Tax Own Goal:

Workers enjoying World Cup parties put on by their employer could be hit with a nasty tax bill, according to Blick Rothenberg, a tax specialist firm based in London. Under income tax rules, employers who invite staff to social functions have to declare the hospitality to HM Customs & Revenue if the cost per worker amounts to more than £150 over the course of a year. While Christmas parties are generally exempt because it is unusual for employers to spend that much per head, Blick Rothenberg said the extra expense of World Cup hospitality could take some workers over the limit. If the hospitality for the year exceeds £150 staff would then [be] charged income tax at their highest marginal rate on the whole value, not just the excess. Employers have the option to take on the expense, but the firm said many may choose not to.

The Tax Foundation’s Tax Policy Blog notes the U.S tax consequences of World Cup office parties:

Under the existing income tax system in most countries, including the United States, there are a myriad of ways in which employers compensate their employees so as to avoid income taxation. These benefits are often difficult to measure (and enforcing taxation of them is also difficult, even if they could be measured) and can range from plush offices with a great window view to the privelege of sitting in the company’s luxury box at local sporting events.