John Barnes, a well-known figure in the football world for his successful career with 79 caps for England and playing for prestigious clubs like Liverpool and Newcastle United, has faced a significant setback as he has been disqualified from directing businesses. The Insolvency Service revealed that Barnes's media company, which he established in 2012, fell into financial turmoil due to unpaid taxes, leading to its liquidation in May of the previous year following a petition from HM Revenue and Customs. This predicament has resulted in a three-and-a-half-year ban on Barnes's involvement in company management without court permission.
In response to the disqualification, John Barnes has agreed to a disqualification undertaking, accepting restrictions on his participation in company activities without legal approval. This restriction includes refraining from engaging in promoting, forming, or managing companies without the necessary authorization. Mike Smith, the chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, emphasized Barnes's legal obligation to ensure proper payment of corporation taxes and VAT, highlighting the negative impact of tax evasion on essential public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.
Despite his successful football career and being awarded an MBE in 1998, Barnes's foray into business post-retirement has met with challenges, including the dissolution of his joint initiative, Team 48 Motorsport, which aimed to support young racing drivers from African-Caribbean backgrounds. Barnes has openly discussed his financial struggles, attributing them to extravagant spending habits during his football days, such as splurging on luxury items like an Aston Martin and expensive clothing.