Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher faces bankruptcy after HM Revenue and Customs filed a petition against him over an unpaid tax bill.
The petition was filed against the 48-year-old television analyst on Wednesday, August 26, following British media reports by City AM and the BBC. The tax case involves an outstanding tax bill amounting to between £700,000 and £800,000.
A spokesperson for the British tax authority, quoted by the BBC, said HM Revenue and Customs takes a supportive approach toward taxpayers who owe money and does everything possible to assist those working to resolve their debts, including providing payment plans in installments. The spokesperson added that submitting a bankruptcy petition is done only as a final resort.
A representative for Carragher said the situation was a private tax matter that ought to have been settled earlier. The spokesperson stated that appropriate steps were currently being taken to clear the balance, adding that they expect the legal action will not be pursued further and will be resolved promptly.
Playing career at Anfield
Carragher spent his entire professional playing career at Liverpool between 1996 and 2013. Operating primarily as a central defender, he made 737 appearances for the Merseyside club, establishing himself as a key figure in its history. During his time at Anfield, he won the UEFA Champions League in 2005 after a famous final in Istanbul against AC Milan alongside Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. His trophy list with Liverpool also includes the UEFA Cup in 2001 and two FA Cup victories in 2001 and 2006.
Following his retirement from football in 2013, Carragher quickly established a prominent broadcasting career. He works as a primary pundit for Sky Sports, providing analysis on English Premier League matches. In addition, he appears on American network CBS to cover the Champions League, co-hosting the show CBS Sports Golazo alongside former international stars Thierry Henry and Micah Richards.
Tax cases involving former players
Carragher is not the only former England international athlete to encounter tax disputes with HM Revenue and Customs in recent years. Former goalkeeper David James and defender Wes Brown both suffered financial and tax problems following their playing days. In 2025, the tax authority also filed a bankruptcy petition against former winger Shaun Wright-Phillips in a London court.
