A former Liverpool star who played a pivotal role in the club's Champions League triumph was compelled to part with his most cherished possessions following a bitter family feud that led to bankruptcy.
Steve Finnan's Forced Sale
Steve Finnan, now 50, was a key member of the Liverpool side that achieved the famous 'Miracle of Istanbul' in 2005, coming back from 3-0 down against AC Milan to win on penalties. However, the Republic of Ireland international was forced to sell the medal he earned that night after becoming embroiled in a bankruptcy petition.
After retiring in 2010, Finnan invested in a property empire, running the business through two companies co-owned with his brother Sean. The brothers managed a portfolio that included a substantial home on Wimbledon Common and numerous other properties across south-west London. The venture descended into financial chaos after the siblings fell out.
Finnan launched legal proceedings in 2023, alleging he had been deprived of £6 million. He blamed solicitors for the collapse of his business, but the High Court dismissed his case. The court heard that Finnan had emailed solicitors in 2016, protesting that despite 'significant funding from the claimant by way of loans, the companies appeared to have no money'.
Finnan then instructed his lawyers to lodge 'unfair prejudice' petitions against his brother. Sean rejected claims of misconduct but acknowledged their relationship had broken down. After switching lawyers, the brothers reached an out-of-court settlement. Finnan appeared poised for a £4 million settlement after Sean agreed to hand over his shares, but the ex-footballer never received the amount, and Sean was later made bankrupt in July 2019.
That same year, Finnan stated he only received £187,570 from the company's sale and an additional £89,345 from the sale of another property. The financially draining saga forced Finnan to part with more of his treasured possessions. Beyond auctioning off his Champions League medal, he also sold two signed shirts from the 2005 final, a replica Champions League trophy, and a luxury watch given to him after the match. Finnan also earned a runner-up medal after Liverpool lost the 2007 final to AC Milan and put that up for auction as well.
