Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher is facing a bankruptcy petition linked to an unpaid tax bill, according to court filings seen by the BBC.
The case was filed on Wednesday against Carragher, whose full name is listed as James Lee Duncan Carragher.
The petition was submitted by lawyers acting for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Carragher and his representatives have been approached for comment.
The filing was first reported by City AM and concerns a request for Carragher to be declared bankrupt over the tax-related debt.
An HMRC spokesperson told BBC Sport that the department does not comment on individual cases. However, the spokesperson said HMRC seeks to support people who owe tax and will work with those who engage with the department to resolve their debts.
“We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts and 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.”
The petition relates to Carragher in his personal capacity. The BBC has seen the filing, while neither the former player nor his representatives has publicly commented on the matter.
Carragher is one of the most recognisable former Liverpool players of his generation and has since established a prominent career as a football pundit.
He made his Liverpool debut in 1996 and remained with the club until 2013. During that period, he also represented England.
Since ending his playing career, Carragher has become a regular member of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage. He also appears on the Stick To Football show and contributes to CBS Sports’ Champions League programming.
His broadcasting work has made him a familiar presence in football coverage, particularly around Premier League and Champions League matches. The bankruptcy petition comes against the background of that continuing media career.
HMRC said it only seeks bankruptcy as a last resort, while also highlighting the availability of arrangements such as instalment plans for people who engage with the department over outstanding tax debts.
The department did not provide details of Carragher’s case, in line with its policy of not commenting on individual taxpayers. No response from Carragher or his representatives had been received at the time of publication.
