Football Legend John Barnes‘ Media Company Collapses wiht £1.5 Million in Debt
London, UK – John Barnes Media Limited, the company owned by former liverpool and England footballer John Barnes, has entered liquidation with debts exceeding £1.5 million, according to recently published reports. The UK Tax Office (HMRC) is the largest creditor.
The liquidation report details a meaningful tax liability of £776,878 owed to HMRC, encompassing unpaid taxes, insurance, and salary deductions. Additional debts include £461,849 for unsecured creditors, £226,000 owed to administrators, and £56,535 in liquidation costs.
Barnes revealed he has been making consistent payments to HMRC for the past eight years, currently at a rate of £10,000 per month. Despite these ongoing efforts, the company was unable to overcome its financial difficulties.
“I had a great impact on my life except for a few sleepless nights,” barnes reportedly told The Sun.
The former footballer attributed the financial problems to substantial losses – estimated between £1 million and £1.5 million – incurred through misplaced trust in associates. While enjoying significant earnings during his playing career, Barnes stated he suffered financial setbacks due to relying on the ”wrong people.”
This isn’t the first time Barnes has faced financial challenges. Sence 2010, he has navigated multiple threats of bankruptcy. In 2023, a bankruptcy submission was filed over a personal tax debt of £238,000, but was ultimately averted with a last-minute payment.
Barnes enjoyed a distinguished football career, playing for clubs including Watford, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Charlton Athletic. He earned 79 caps for the England national team before retiring in 1999.Following his playing days, he transitioned into management with Tranmere, Celtic, and the Jamaica National team, and has since worked as a football commentator and author, publishing a book in 2021.
