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Former Liverpool starSteve Finnan is fighting a bankruptcy petition after a marathon legal battle involving his own brother. The former Republic of Ireland defender, 49, was embroiled in almost a decade of financial disagreements with brother Sean.

Finnan had got involved in Sean’s property business venture, only for the company to take a sharp downturn. Finnan, who had previouslyauctioned off an array of his career memorabilia, became worried about how the company was being run and eventually secured a £4m settlement from his brother after taking the case to High Court in 2018.

He did not get his money and eventually made Sean bankrupt in July 2019. But now, it is Steve who is facing financial difficulties after becoming involved in lengthy legal battles with solicitors.

He attempted to have a Charles Russell Speechlys lawyer jailed for contempt of court during a £6m negligence claim which ended in failure and eventually saw him face a five-figure bill. Finnan also became involved in a battle with Candey Ltd, who took over his case.

He disputed their bills but lost that judgement too. Finnan has allegedly failed to pay his debts and is now facing a petition at Central London County Court.

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The bankruptcy petition was transferred to the court where District Judge Carla Revere made a series of directions and orders. Finnan lodged an appeal against part of the order, resulting in the September date for the bankruptcy case being cancelled.

He had claimed that the case was too “complex” to be heard at county court and asked for it to be elevated. He also suggested that there was “apparent bias” against him by District Judge Revere.

The case was then moved to the High Court, where Finnan tried to appeal earlier orders in the bankruptcy case but was told by a judge that he was simply ‘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,” said Mr Justice Mellor.

However, Mr Justice Mellor turned down that appeal and said the bankruptcy petition itself did not involve substantial amounts – but instead 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 said.

“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 played for Birmingham, Notts County, Fulham and Liverpool during his playing career, winning the FA Cup and Champions League in the legendary Istanbul final in 2005.

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