Steve Finnan, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, is facing a bankruptcy petition after a lengthy legal battle with his brother Sean
Former Liverpool star Steve Finnan is grappling with a bankruptcy petition following a lengthy legal dispute involving his own brother. The ex-Republic of Ireland defender, 49, found himself tangled in nearly a decade of financial disagreements with his sibling Sean.
Finnan had invested in Sean’s property business venture, which unfortunately took a sharp downturn. Finnan, who had previously auctioned off a collection of his career memorabilia, grew concerned about the company’s management and eventually secured a £4m settlement from his brother after taking the case to the High Court in 2018.
However, he did not receive his money and ultimately made Sean bankrupt in July 2019. But now, it’s Steve who is facing financial woes after becoming embroiled in protracted legal battles with solicitors.
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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 got entangled in a dispute with Candey Ltd, who took over his case.
He contested their bills but lost that judgement as well. It’s alleged that Finnan has failed to settle his debts and is now facing a petition at Central London County Court.
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 September date for the bankruptcy case being cancelled.
He 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 was informed by a judge that his appeal was merely ‘delaying’ and ‘hopeless’.
“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 noted the bankruptcy petition itself did not involve substantial amounts – but rather Finnan’s costs order of less than £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 commented.
“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 football career, playing for Birmingham, Notts County, Fulham and Liverpool, where he won the FA Cup and Champions League in the legendary Istanbul final in 2005.
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