Skip to main content

John Barnes faces bankruptcy over debt owed by Liverpool and England legend

Liverpool and England legend John Barnes could be forced to declare bankruptcy after HMRC issued a petition against the former Reds midfielder at London's High Court

John Barnes has been subject to a bankruptcy petition
John Barnes has been subject to a bankruptcy petition(Image: Getty Images)

England and Liverpool legend John Barnes is facing bankruptcy after he was subject to a bankruptcy petition from HM Revenue & Customs.


At a briefing at London's High Court on Monday, Barnes asked for an adjournment, but he wasn't present at the hearing. HMRC officer Megan Vanderhook said: "There has been no contact from Mr Barnes, but his agent has requested an adjournment."


The case will resume on February 27 2023, and it's unknown if Barnes will challenge the petition or settle his debts to avoid being declared bankrupt. Barnes has already been declared bankrupt in 2009 - over tax debts.


READ MORE: Premier League announce February TV changes - including Monday night Merseyside derby

Barnes, in 2009, said the issue was a "tax oversight," and the order was later rescinded by HMRC.

However, Barnes has since been the subject of bankruptcy petitions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2019. A spokesman from HMRC told The Sun: "We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts.

Article continues below

"And we do everything we can to help those who engage with us to get out of debt, such as offering instalment plans. We only petition for bankruptcy as a last resort."

European Championship Qualifier, Wembley, England 8 v Turkey 0, England goalscorers Gary Lineker (hat-trick) and John Barnes (2) celebrate at the end of the match
John Barnes was one of England's top talents(Image: Getty Images)

Barnes had a lucrative playing career, and he's best remembered for his time on Merseyside - where he was at the peak of his powers, winning two league titles, two FA Cups and a League Cup, while scoring 106 goals in 403 games.


The two-time Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year, who earned 79 caps for England, was unveiled as an ambassador at Anfield last month. He said: "I loved representing LFC as a player and I’m relishing the prospect of wearing the beloved Liver bird crest on my chest once again – albeit on a suit this time around."

READ NEXT:

Article continues below
READ MORE: England '86 World Cup stars refused to get on booze - but loved sunbathing for 20 minsREAD MORE: Twelve football legends who were dreadful managers as Steven Gerrard gets the boot
Follow Daily Star:



Premier LeagueLiverpool FC
reach logo

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.