A FORMER Premier League star is facing bankruptcy after a multi-million pound court clash with his brother.
Steve Finnan, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, ended up embroiled in a decade-long battle with sibling Sean.
The right-back secured a £4million settlement in 2018 after going to the High Court over concerns about how their property business was being run.
But Finnan did not get the money after his brother became bankrupt – leading the footballer to become involved in a string of court fights with his solicitors.
In one case, he attempted to have a lawyer jailed for contempt of court during a failed £6million negligence claim against firm Charles Russell Speechlys.
But Finnan was instead saddled with a five-figure costs bill, which he has not yet paid back.
The former Irish international is facing a petition to make him bankrupt at Central London County Court.
Finnan has attempted to appeal the orders but a judge has branded the bid “hopeless”.
Mr Justice Mellor said: “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.”
Finnan, 49, had a stellar Premier League career with Fulham, Liverpool and Portsmouth and played more than 50 times for his country.
But his financial woes began when a property business set up with his brother went sour – resulting in him beginning a court claim against his sibling.
As part of the settlement of the claim in 2018, he was due to receive £4m, but instead had his brother made bankrupt in 2019 when he failed to pay up.
After a decade of court battles, Finnan unsuccessfully sued the solicitors he first used, Charles Russell Speechlys, for £6million for professional negligence.
He also became embroiled in further litigation with the solicitors who took over his case, Candey Ltd, after disputing their bills but also lost.
The debt at the centre of the current bankruptcy bid is a five-figure sum, which he owes following the failed contempt of court proceedings against a solicitor at Charles Russell Speechlys.
It was transferred to Central London County Court, where District Judge Carla Revere made a series of directions and orders relating to the case.
But Finnan lodged an appeal against part of the order – claiming the “complex” case should be heard by a High Court judge.
He also claimed “apparent bias” against him by District Judge Revere and questioned whether she had the power to make orders, which she did.
But rejecting his appeal, Mr Justice Mellor said the bankruptcy petition itself did not involve the millions of pounds that feature elsewhere in his disputes – but instead a costs order of under £50,000.
The judge added: “Standing back, it is surprising that Mr Finnan has challenged this directions order…his complaints are largely procedural and have no substance.
“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.
“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.”
No date was set for the bankruptcy case to return to court.
