Former Liverpool and England footballer John Barnes has been banned as a company director for three-and-a-half years following the failure of his media firm, John Barnes Media Limited, to pay £190,000 in VAT and corporation tax.
The company, which went into liquidation in 2023, was found to have neglected tax payments to HM Revenue and Customs between November 2018 and October 2020, despite generating a turnover of £441,798 during that period.
An investigation conducted by the Insolvency Service revealed that the company owed £78,839 in corporation tax between August 2018 and January 2020, and failed to remit £115,272 in VAT between February 2019 and 2020.
Barnes, who served as the sole director of the company since its inception in September 2012. Accepted a disqualification undertaking from the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, commencing on April 24. This disqualification prohibits him from engaging in the promotion, formation, or management of a company without court permission.
Mike Smith, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, emphasized the importance of tax compliance. Stating that Barnes had a legal obligation to ensure his company fulfilled its tax obligations. He stressed that failure to pay taxes deprives the government of essential funding for public services.
Barnes has a history of financial challenges, facing six bankruptcy petitions since 2010. Despite being employed by Liverpool Football Club and serving as a club ambassador. Barnes has encountered difficulties with taxes in the past.
While a bankruptcy petition filed by HMRC against Barnes last year was dismissed. His legal representative clarified that Barnes was well-equipped to settle his debts, given his employment status and income level.
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