Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has settled an unpaid HMRC tax bill, the tax authority confirmed in court, and a judge has dismissed the bankruptcy petition against him.
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher(Image: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has avoided bankruptcy after reaching a settlement on an outstanding tax bill with HMRC.
Judge Nicholas Briggs dismissed a bankruptcy petition against the former footballer and now pundit, 48, at the Insolvency and Companies Court on Tuesday, October 13.
The petition had been filed in August, however Kevin Hassan, representing HMRC, informed the London hearing that the debt had since been settled, though no specific figure was disclosed in court. Following reports of the petition on August 27, a representative for the former defender moved swiftly to reassure that the issue would be resolved promptly.
A spokesperson for Carragher told the Liverpool ECHO: "This is a private tax matter that should have been resolved sooner, and the appropriate steps are being taken today to settle it. It is understood that the matter will not proceed any further, and will be resolved imminently."
The ECHO also approached HMRC for comment, and was advised that the department refrains from commenting on individual cases.
A spokesperson said: "We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts and do everything we can to help those who engage with us to get out of debt, such as offering instalment plans.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
"We only petition for bankruptcy as a last resort."
It was previously said that the figure would be in the region of $1million (£750,000).
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Carragher, a native of Bootle, enjoyed his entire professional playing career at Liverpool, amassing 737 appearances. He sits second only to Ian Callaghan in the club's all-time appearance records.
The defender secured a Champions League trophy, two FA Cups, three League Cups and a UEFA Cup throughout his distinguished spell at Anfield.
Following his retirement from the professional game in 2013, Carragher has emerged as one of football's most prominent pundits, featuring regularly on Sky Sports alongside other broadcasters such as CBS.
Carragher also appears frequently on the widely-followed football podcast Stick to Football.