Steve Finnan, the 49-year-old former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland defender who won the Champions League in 2005, is on the brink of bankruptcy following a series of legal disputes stemming from a failed property business with his brother Sean. The troubles began around 2016 and have escalated through multiple court cases, including unpaid costs orders totaling under £50,000. A recent High Court appeal to delay the bankruptcy petition was dismissed as hopeless.
Steve Finnan, a Limerick-born ex-fullback who made 684 appearances across clubs including Fulham, Liverpool, Espanyol, and Portsmouth, became involved in a property venture with his brother Sean after retiring from professional football. His final game was Portsmouth's 2010 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Concerns over the business's management led Finnan to sue Sean around 2016, resulting in a £4 million High Court settlement in 2018. However, Sean was declared bankrupt in July 2019 without paying the award.
The saga continued with Finnan launching a £6 million negligence claim against law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, which failed. He then pursued a contempt of court action against a lawyer from the firm but lost, incurring a five-figure costs bill he has not paid. Another dispute with solicitors Candey Ltd, who took over the case, ended with Finnan ordered to pay £120,000, which remains outstanding.
These unpaid debts have triggered a bankruptcy petition at Central London County Court over costs under £50,000. In June, District Judge Carla Revere issued directions, but Finnan appealed the case's transfer from the High Court, citing complexity, the sums involved, and alleged bias by the judge. This appeal cancelled a September hearing date.
Earlier this month, Mr Justice Mellor rejected Finnan's High Court appeal, stating: "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." He added: "Standing back, it is surprising that Mr Finnan has challenged this directions order... his complaints are largely procedural and have no substance. 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."
No new date has been set for the bankruptcy hearing, which is expected to return to the insolvency list. In 2020, Finnan auctioned personal memorabilia, including his 2005 Champions League medal and signed shirts, amid his financial difficulties. He earned over 50 caps for Ireland and played in the 2002 World Cup.
