A former Liverpool defender, who won the Champions League with the Reds, has been embroiled in a lengthy legal battle with his own brother.
Ac Milan V Liverpool, UEFA Champions League Final
Former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan now finds himself the subject of a bankruptcy appeal. (Image: Getty)
Former Liverpool star, Steve Finnan, is embroiled in a bankruptcy petition following a lengthy legal battle with his own brother. The ex-Republic of Ireland defender, 49, has been involved in nearly a decade of financial disputes with his brother Sean.
Finnan had invested in Sean's property business venture, which unfortunately took a sharp downturn. After auctioning off a collection of his career memorabilia due to concerns about the company's management, Finnan secured a £4m settlement from his brother by taking the case to High Court in 2018.
However, he did not receive his money and eventually declared Sean bankrupt in July 2019. Now, it is Steve who is facing financial difficulties after becoming entangled in protracted legal battles with solicitors.
He tried to have a Charles Russell Speechlys lawyer imprisoned for contempt of court during a failed £6m negligence claim, which resulted in him facing a five-figure bill. Finnan also became embroiled in a dispute with Candey Ltd, who took over his case.
He contested their bills but lost that judgement as well. Allegedly failing to pay his debts, Finnan is now facing a petition at Central London County Court, reports the Mirror.
The bankruptcy petition was moved to the court where District Judge Carla Revere issued a series of directions and orders. Finnan lodged an appeal against part of the order, leading to the cancellation of the September date for the bankruptcy case.
The former footballer had argued that the case was too "complex" for a county court and requested it be escalated. He also insinuated there was "apparent bias" against him by District Judge Revere.
The case was subsequently transferred to the High Court, where Finnan attempted to appeal earlier orders in the bankruptcy case, but he was rebuffed by a judge who accused him of merely 'delaying' with a 'hopeless' appeal.
Steve Finnan of Liverpool speaks during...
Steve Finnan won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.
"I form the strong view that this appeal simply amounts to an attempt on his part to delay the final hearing of this petition for as long as possible," stated Mr Justice Mellor.
However, Mr Justice Mellor rejected that appeal and clarified that the bankruptcy petition itself did not involve substantial amounts – but rather Finnan's costs order of under £50,000.
"Standing back, it is surprising that Mr Finnan has challenged this directions order... his complaints are largely procedural and have no substance," Mr Justice Mellor said.
"I refuse permission to appeal and I dismiss the appeal. I also certify this appeal is totally without merit. It was, at all times, completely hopeless.
"The petition will have to be the subject of further directions. I think they're best given by a judge in the insolvency list. It is highly likely that any such further order for directions will repeat the directions in District Judge Revere's order."
Finnan had a successful career playing for Birmingham, Notts County, Fulham and Liverpool, winning both the FA Cup and Champions League in the legendary Istanbul final in 2005.