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East Premier League Star Steve Finnan is facing an attempt to make him bankrupt after a lengthy legal battle over a multi-million pound dispute with his brother.
Mr Finnan, who won Champions League with liverpoolHe was embroiled in a legal tussle for almost a decade after being involved in a disastrous property business with his brother Shawn.
After becoming concerned about the way the business was run around 2016, she sued Shaun, before eventually securing a £4 million settlement. high court In 2018.
But the footballer did not receive his money, instead leaving his brother bankrupt in July 2019, before becoming involved in a series of court battles with his lawyer.
One such case – an attempt to send Charles Russell Speechlys’ lawyer to jail for contempt of court during an unsuccessful £6 million negligence claim against the firm – ended with him facing a five-figure costs bill.
However, the former Irish fullback has not repaid his debts and is now facing a bankruptcy petition in the Central London County Court.
He became embroiled in further litigation with solicitors who, after disputing their bills for handling his case, took on Candy Ltd. as their own, and he also lost that dispute.
This matter came to light earlier this month high courtWhere he tried to appeal against earlier orders bankruptcy case, but a judge told him he was merely “delaying” things with a “desperate” appeal.
Mr Justice Mellor said, “I am of the firm view that this appeal amounts to an attempt by them to delay the final hearing of this petition for as long as possible.”
Limerick-born Mr Finnan, 49, enjoyed a stellar Premier League career with Fulham, liverpool And Portsmouth is winning Champions League and FA Cup medals, as well as playing over 50 times for his country.
The bankruptcy petition was eventually transferred to the Central London County Court, where District Judge Carla Revere made a number of directions and orders relating to the case in June.
However, Mr Finnan lodged an appeal against the part of the order which recorded the transfer of the case to the county court, resulting in the September date of the final hearing in the bankruptcy case being cancelled.
Representing himself, he argued that the case was too “complex” to be decided by the county court and that, given the amount of money involved, it should be referred to a High Court judge.
He also claimed “apparent bias” against him by District Judge Revere and questioned whether he had the power to order what he did.
But dismissing their appeal, Mr Justice Mellor said the bankruptcy petition did not involve the millions of pounds that were involved in their disputes elsewhere – but instead involved a costs order of less than £50,000.
“Standing back, it is surprising that Mr Finnan has challenged this direction order…his complaints are largely procedural and have no merit,” he said.
“I refuse leave to appeal and dismiss the appeal. I also certify that this appeal is completely without merit. It was, at all times, completely hopeless.
“The petition should be subject to further instructions. I think instructions are best given by a judge on the bankruptcy list.
“It is highly likely that any such further order for directions will repeat the directions given in District Judge Revere’s order.”
No date was set for the bankruptcy case to return to court.