Limerick-born Finnan played in the Premier League for Fulham, Liverpool and Portsmouth, winning Champions League and FA Cup medals, as well as playing more than 50 times for his country
Ex-Republic of Ireland and Liverpool defender Steve Finnan is reportedly grappling with a bankruptcy petition following a lengthy legal dispute involving his own brother. The 49-year-old ex Kop star found himself entangled in nearly a decade’s worth of financial disagreements with his brother Sean.
Limerick-born Finnan played in the Premier League for Fulham, Liverpool and Portsmouth, winning Champions League and FA Cup medals, as well as playing more than 50 times for his country. He 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 how the company was being managed, Finnan 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. Now, it is Steve who is facing financial troubles after becoming embroiled 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 got caught up in a dispute with Candey Ltd, who took over his case.
He contested their bills but lost that judgement as well. It has been alleged that Finnan has failed to pay his debts and 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 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 previous orders in the bankruptcy case but was told by a judge he was merely ‘delaying’ with a ‘hopeless’ appeal.
“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 dismissed that appeal and said 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 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, winning the FA Cup and Champions League in the legendary Istanbul final in 2005.
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