Bankruptcy proceedings have been initiated against former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan at Central London County Court due to an unpaid five-figure debt.
The 49-year-old attempted to challenge the proceedings through an appeal, but Mr Justice Mellor dismissed his efforts yesterday at the High Court.
The judge declared the appeal "totally without merit" and "completely hopeless", 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."
The ex-footballer represented himself during the unsuccessful appeal hearing.
Steve Finnan initiated legal action against his sibling due to concerns about the business management
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The Limerick-born footballer's financial difficulties originated from a property venture with his brother Sean that deteriorated around 2016.
Finnan initiated legal action against his sibling due to concerns about the business management, ultimately securing a £4 million High Court settlement in 2018.
However, the money never materialised, leading Finnan to pursue bankruptcy proceedings against Sean in July 2019.
This family dispute triggered nearly ten years of complex litigation, including multiple court battles with various law firms.
The protracted legal saga has now culminated in Finnan himself facing insolvency proceedings over unpaid legal costs from one of these disputes.
Steve Finnan was part of the famous Liverpool team to win the Champions League in 2005
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The specific debt triggering the bankruptcy petition relates to unpaid costs from unsuccessful contempt of court proceedings.
Finnan had attempted to have a lawyer from Charles Russell Speechlys imprisoned during his failed £6 million professional negligence claim against the firm.
The negligence action was struck out, leaving Finnan liable for costs totalling less than £50,000. He has not settled this bill, prompting the current insolvency proceedings.
The footballer also lost a separate legal dispute with Candey Ltd, the solicitors who subsequently handled his case, after challenging their fees.
These accumulated legal defeats have left him facing substantial financial obligations.
During the appeal hearing, Finnan argued that his case was too "complex" for county court jurisdiction and should be elevated to a High Court judge, considering the substantial sums involved in the broader dispute.
Steve Finnan played for Liverpool and Republic of Ireland during his football career
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He also alleged "apparent bias" from District Judge Carla Revere and challenged her authority to issue certain orders.
Mr Justice Mellor dismissed these arguments, emphasising that the bankruptcy petition concerned only the costs order under £50,000, not the millions featured in other disputes.
The judge confirmed the case would return to the insolvency list for further directions.
Finnan enjoyed considerable success during his playing career, earning Champions League and FA Cup honours with Liverpool alongside more than 50 international caps for Ireland.