Former Liverpool and Scotland Star Gary McAllister Faces Bankruptcy Threat Over Tax Dispute
Former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Gary McAllister is reportedly facing the possibility of bankruptcy after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) filed a bankruptcy petition over an unpaid tax bill.
McAllister began his professional career with Motherwell before playing for Leicester City, Leeds United and Coventry City. His impressive spell at Leeds, where he helped the club win the league title in 1992, eventually earned him a move to Liverpool in 2000.
During his time at Anfield, McAllister enjoyed a memorable period, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup. He also earned 57 caps for Scotland and captained his country at Euro 1996.
According to reports from The Telegraph, the 61-year-old is now facing financial difficulties after HMRC took legal action over an outstanding tax bill. The exact amount owed and the circumstances surrounding the debt have not been revealed.
McAllister is reportedly among a number of former footballers who invested in film partnerships that were later classified by HMRC as tax-avoidance schemes. However, there is no suggestion that McAllister deliberately attempted to avoid paying his taxes.
A spokesperson for the former Liverpool midfielder said McAllister believed his tax adviser was already dealing with HMRC on his behalf.
“Gary was under the impression his tax advisor was in contact with HMRC regarding this. Gary is now looking to resolve the issue imminently.”
HMRC declined to comment specifically on McAllister because of taxpayer confidentiality rules. However, the department said it generally works with people who have tax debts and can offer options such as instalment plans, adding that bankruptcy petitions are only pursued as a last resort.
McAllister Not the Only Former Liverpool Player Facing HMRC Issues
McAllister is not the only former Liverpool player to have encountered financial difficulties involving HMRC.
In August, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also faced a bankruptcy petition at the High Court in London over an unpaid tax bill.
A representative for Carragher said the matter was a private tax issue that should have been dealt with earlier and confirmed that steps were being taken to settle it. The issue was subsequently expected to be resolved.
Carragher later joked about the situation while working as a pundit for CBS Sports during Champions League coverage.
Other former Liverpool players, including John Barnes, Emile Heskey and Jermaine Pennant, have also experienced financial difficulties following their playing careers.
