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Former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan is facing bankruptcy amid a legal battle with his brother over a failed property business that they started together.
The 49-year-old made over 600 appearances during his playing career, and was part of the Liverpool team that won the Champions League in 2005. Things went downhill post-retirement, however, as Finnan first sued his brother Sean in 2016 over concerns about how the property business was being run, with the pair agreeing a £4 million ($5.3 million) settlement at the High Court in 2018.
The former Liverpool defender did not receive that money though, and Finnan has been involved in a number of legal battles since – including a failed negligence claim against his original solicitors who advised him in his battle against his brother, which left him with a five-figure bill.
He has not paid that bill, and now faces a bankruptcy petition from Central London County Court, according to The Independent.
Finnan has sold a number of items of memorabilia from his playing career in recent years to help with legal costs, including his winner's medal from the Champions League final against AC Milan and jerseys from his playing career; the medal from the Istanbul final went for £12,000 ($16,000)
Finnan attended a High Court hearing on Monday and attempted to appeal against orders made earlier in the bankruptcy case.
The Limerick-born ex-player, who represented Ireland on more than 50 occasions, represented himself and appealed that his case was too complex to be heard in the County Court.
Mr Justice Mellor dismissed Finnan's appeal, saying that the Finnan was merely playing for time. "Standing back, it is surprising that Mr Finnan has challenged this directions order... his complaints are largely procedural and have no substance," 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.
"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 began his senior career at Welling United in what is now the National League, before spells at Birmingham City and Notts County.
He joined Fulham in 1998 and achieved two promotions with the Cottagers, before being snapped up by Liverpool in 2003, remaining with the Reds until 2008. Finnan retired two years later after short spells with Espanyol and Portsmouth.
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