Footballer Goes Bankrupt
Friday March 30, 2007
Footballer John Arne Riise has been declared bankrupt over an unpaid debt of around £100,000.
The debt is thought to be linked to a legal battle in his native Norway with his former agent.
The dispute is over the way his fortune has been invested.
Riise may be liable for debts incurred from failed business enterprises, including a hotel.
The Liverpool defender was away on international duty with Norway when the case was heard and might not even have known he was being taken to court.
His solicitors are thought to be preparing to go back to court next week to have the bankruptcy order annulled.
The Liverpool defender, who joined Liverpool from Monaco for £4m in 2001, is understood to earn around £50,000 a week.
He signed a new contract last January that keeps him at Anfield until 2009.
A Liverpool spokesman said, "We are unable to comment as this is a private matter."
Being declared bankrupt means an official receiver can assume legal control of an individual's assets.
Somebody who is bankrupt cannot obtain credit of more than £250 or open a new bank account.
skynews
