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    Footballers’ financial disasters…Gary Neville’s ‘Teletubby’ eco-home to star’s £1.2m mansion taken over by drug dealers

    THEY make more money in one day than most of us will all year.But for cash-flush football stars looking to invest their millions in creative ways, fortune doesn’t always favour the brave.Gary Neville’s restaurant has gone into liquidationCredit: GettyHis £8m eco-home was likened to the TeletubbiesCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceIt never got built in the end and he struggled to sell the plot of landCredit: Make ArchitectsThis week, we revealed how Gary Neville’s Michelin-star restaurant, The Man Behind the Curtain, has become his latest business flop.The Leeds eatery – run by chef Micheal O’Hare – has gone into liquidation with debts reported at £1 million, including £519,000 owed in taxes.It’s a disappointing result for the former Man United ace, who has had more hits than misses with his business ventures, allowing him to build up a £100million empireBut Gary – who even appeared as a guest Dragon on Dragons’ Den earlier this year – is far from alone when it comes to footballers and financial disasters.READ MORE SPORTS FEATURESFrom a former Arsenal star who FORGOT he had bought a £1.2million home and saw it overrun by drug dealers, to an ex-Chelsea ace swindled in a multi-million pound betting scheme, we look at some of the game’s biggest cautionary tales.Tellytubby eco-home nightmareNeville’s kitchen nightmare isn’t his first setback. He also made a disastrous business decision in 2010, when he bought a plot of land to build an £8million eco-house.The Sky Sports pundit was planning a futuristic carbon-neutral mansion with its own 130ft wind turbine on, to sit in Harwood, Greater Manchester.The house would be built into the ground with a grassy roof fitted with solar panels.Most read in FootballThe two-storey home would have an open plan kitchen and living room downstairs, plus five bedrooms, as well as a fitness suite, plant room and double garage for bikes and cars.Neighbours said the planned house resembled the one in children’s TV show Teletubbies, but after a long battle with them, Neville eventually got the green light to go ahead in 2012.Gary Neville reveals he bought and sold a Bentley after three weeks as he ‘felt like a w*****’However, the house was never built, and by 2020, he was struggling to sell the 8,000 square foot site – with his original eco-friendly plans included in the price.Eventually, he was forced to slash the £650,000 asking price by a quarter to £500,000.Nightclub turned lapdancing jointStephane Mahe opened up nightclub Seventh Heaven in GlasgowCredit: John Kirkby – The Sun GlasgowIt flopped and became a strip clubCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEx-Celtic and Hearts defender Stephane Mahe hooked up with former team-mate and fellow countryman Stephane Bonnes for a step into the business world in 2002, when he plunged £400,000 into a nightclub near Glasgow’s Charing Cross.But it was over even quicker than his two-year spell with the Hoops.The pair opened Seventh Heaven, hoping to lure 1,300 revellers to the venue each weekend – including fellow pros and their Wags.Instead they managed just 50 punters some nights.With debts reported at the time to be close to half a million pounds, the doors were quickly closed, less than half a year after the business kicked off.Seventh Heaven was soon re-opened as a lapdancing club and the new owners quickly struck up a sponsorship deal with Airdrie United chairman Jim Ballantyne, who joked he was bringing “sexy football” to the club.Pitch-side hoardings at the New Broomfield ground described the venue as “The Chairman’s Choice”.Betting swindleChris Sutton got involved in a million-pound scam and was declared bankruptCredit: Kenny RamsayIn 2014, former Chelsea and England striker Chris Sutton was declared bankrupt after being caught in a spread betting foreign currency scam.Sutton and his wife Samantha both invested £50,000 each after his former financial adviser Simon Grint assured him he would make a “good return”.But the investment was part of a multi-million-pound fraud scheme, for which Grint was jailed in 2013.In a statement released at the time, ex-Celtic forward Sutton said: “During the investment period, I was led to believe that I was making a profit on the investment. “However, I now realise that I was not.”He also told the Daily Record: “I’ve been given bad financial advice.”Forgotten mansion overrun by drug lordsJermaine Pennant admitted to squandering £10millionCredit: Simon JonesA gang took over his forgotten mansion and turned it into a cannabis factoryCredit: YouTubeFormer Arsenal player Jermaine Pennant declared himself bankrupt last year, having run up debts of around £1million.Describing himself as “financially illiterate,” he revealed how he squandered around £10million during his career.The former Liverpool winger splashed out on a fleet of supercars, homes, five-star holidays abroad and once paid a £25,000 bar bill on a lads’ break in Las Vegas. He told The Sun: “In all honesty, I could have been a billionaire and still f***ed it up. I have made so many mistakes but I did not know how to deal with things and would not think of the consequences of my actions.”Pennant even bought a £1.2million six-bedroom mansion in Cheshire but later forgot he owned it – although he was still paying the interest-only mortgage on it.When he moved to Spain he left it empty, but it was later occupied by a drugs gang who caused a fire at the property.Pennant admitted: “I bought houses but never spoke to an estate agent and had mortgages that I did not know about.“I took bad advice from bad people and just lived day to day.“There was a fixer who arranged things for me — but now I realise he swindled me out of money.“He advised me to buy the house in Hale for well over the odds and then to do a load of building work on it. But I wasn’t paying the builders, I was paying him.”£5 left in the bankRonaldinho owed millions but only had £5 in his bankCredit: Instagram @ronaldinhoHis supercars were taken off him, as well as propertiesCredit: Instagram @ronaldinhoIn 2018, Ronaldinho was reported to have just £5 in his bank account despite owing a massive £1.75million.The Brazil legend was fined heavily for illegal construction in a protected area in his home country, along with his brother Roberto Assis.Despite remortgaging the property, Ronaldinho was said to be unable to pay his debt due to the sky-high interest rate, and had just £5.24 left in his bank account.As a result of that, a judge in Brazil ordered Ronaldinho to have his passport seized in a bid to ensure he didn’t flee the country.READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldinho also had his luxury cars and artwork seized by Brazilian officials after he and his brother Roberto de Assis Moreira were chased by officials claiming he owed money for fines levied against his charity.The former Barcelona and AC Milan star continued to have money problems, and had two of his properties in Brazil seized in 2021, to recoup any money owed by the former footballer. 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    Barcelona ‘victim of transfer fraud after transferring £830,000 to scammer pretending to be Lewandowski’s agent’

    BARCELONA fell victim to a scam when completing Robert Lewandowski’s transfer.The striker moved to the Nou Camp in the summer of 2022, joining from Bayern Munich.A scammer posing as Lewandwoski’s agent almost cost Barcelona £830,000Credit: RexLewandowski has been in fine form this season and has helped Barcelona to the top of LaLiga, but his signing got the club into difficulty.That is because a fraudster posing as his agent Pini Zahavi demanded a payment be made of £830,000, according to reports in Spain.In late July 2022 several club directors and executives received an email requesting the payment as commission for the deal being completed.Barcelona paid the amount into an account number at the Bank of Cyprus – but to an account under the name of Michael Gerardus Hermanus Demon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe bank blocked the transfer as it was considered high risk, due to the fact there were no previous transactions on the account nor any valid documents to justify the payment.The scammer continued to put pressure on Barcelona by posing as Zahavi, and threatened to report the club to Uefa and block Lewandowski’s registration.They also wrote to the Bank of Cyprus in a bid to get the transaction approved but were denied again.That meant Barcelona were able to recover the £830,000 and have since reported the scammer to police after receiving two more emails demanding around £210,000.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLewandowski, 36, has been a success at Barcelona with 71 goals in 106 games, including 12 this term.He signed from Bayern in a deal worth £42.5million.Behind the scenes of the Barcelona ‘bust up’ after Celtic’s heroic 2012 win More

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    Former Premier League star reveals he was scammed out of over £500,000 by friend dubbed France’s Queen of Fraud

    A FORMER Premier League star has revealed he was scammed out of more than £500,000 by the woman dubbed France’s Queen of Fraud.Aurelie Bard, 39, received a two-year suspended jail term in 2023 after being found guilty of stealing £635,000 from French firm Inseec six years ago.French entrepreneur Aurelie Bard – pictured with DJ Khaled – scammed £585,000 from an ex-Premier League footballerCredit: The Mega AgencyAnd the accountant is currently on trial for her alleged part in defrauding £84MILLION from fashion company Kiabi.She got to know the footballer when he played for her hometown club in France.The brunette later made multiple trips to England to visit him.However, the player told French media that she forged over 140 cheques from his private bank account – paying herself around 700,000 Euros (£585,000).READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking anonymously, he told Le Parisien: “I was Aurelie’s first victim.”The player’s lawyer added: “She wrote cheques from one of his private accounts, and cashed them herself.”She bought herself presents with the money, such as a luxury watch, in order to seduce him and convince him she came from a wealthy family.”Aurelie B recognised what she had done in a written letter of confession.Most read in Football”Thanks to this we were later to recoup the funds by making my client’s bank face up to its responsibilities.”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanThe player said he ended his acquaintance with Bard on learning of her deception but declined to press charges.He later had most of his losses refunded after proving his bank acted negligently in honouring cheques signed by Aurelie.The Kiabi fraud trial continues.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe slams ‘fake news’ after he’s ‘accused of rape at Swedish hotel as cops open probe’

    KYLIAN Mbappe has slammed “fake news” after a newspaper reported police received a formal rape complaint against the star.Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that the French forward is being investigated by cops – who visited his hotel Monday. Kylian Mbappe had a rape complaint filed against him, a Swedish newspaper reportedCredit: RexMbappe in Stockholm FridayCredit: RexMbappe responded on X, slamming the report as ‘fake news’A complaint was reportedly made to police on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical attention. Aftonbladet reported that Mbappe on Thursday dined at a restaurant and went to a nightclub in Stockholm with pals. They report police are investigating the alleged rape at the Bank Hotel – with forensic cops investigating Monday. Mbappe flew out of the country Friday on a private jet, before the complaint had been made. Read more on footballA prosecutor investigating the accusation told AFP: “A probe is under way into a crime that was reported on October 10 in the centre of Stockholm.” In a post on X, Mbappe addressed the report saying: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.”The Real Madrid player seemingly referred to a hearing he is set to face over unpaid wages he is disputedly owed. Mbappe claims he is owed 55million Euros (£45million) by his former club Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballPolice spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind said: “In general, if we have received a complaint and decided to conduct interviews and we make it known (to the public), those involved in the case may take actions that delay and complicate the investigation.”Mbappe’s entourage shot back in a statement sent to AFP: “Today, a new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.”In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of (the) image (of Kylian Mbappe), all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly.”A source close to Paris Saint-Germain told AFP it would “ignore” Mbappe’s claim that there was a link between the report in Sweden and his wage dispute with the club.Mbappe is currently injured and did not play in France’s Nations League fixtures last week.Mbappe was staying at the Bank HotelCredit: EPA More

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    Giant 22 stone heavyweight boxing legend leaks Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ‘scam’ after calling YouTuber out for £1.5m fight

    BOXING legend Butterbean has claimed a “scam” is at play for Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson. The controversial clash – scrutinised for the three-decade age gap – was set for June 20 but Tyson, 58, was forced out amid a health precaution. Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: GettyPaul, 27, instead stopped replacement Mike Perry, 32, after three knockdowns before confirming his rescheduled November 15 bout with Tyson. But KO icon Butterbean – real name Eric Esch – insisted the fight will purposely never go ahead. He said: “Him and Tyson are never gonna fight. That has been a scam from the very beginning just to boost Jake’s name – and it has. “This guy, everybody’s talking about him, but he’s never gonna fight Tyson. READ MORE IN BOXING”They were never planning on fighting each other, because a promoter would never let him fight anyone else in between a fight. “Never – not that big a fight. It’s been a scam from the beginning.”During the height of his career Butterbean weighed as much as 36 STONE and only ever went past the fourth round once – against the great Larry Holmes.His last boxing bout was in 2013 but he has teased a comeback in recent years having lost a stunning 14 STONE.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSButterbean wants to fight Paul and called him out to a £1.5million winner-take-all bout. He said on TikTok: “Hey Jake Paul, would you fight me for $2m [£1.5m]? Winner takes all.”From boxing champions to UFC stars and bitter rivals, Jake Paul’s five-man hit-list of opponents after Mike Tyson fight Butterbean, 57, over 100 fights across boxing, kickboxing and MMA while even having a run in pro wrestling.He lost the huge amount of weight after starring in a TV show alongside former wrestler Diamond Dallas Page.Butterbean had 91 boxing bouts – compared to just the 11 of 10-1 Paul.The social media sensation’s only loss came in 2023 against Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy, 25, in Saudi Arabia but has won four since. Butterbean weighed 37st during his heydayCredit: GettyHe has dropped a huge 14st recentlyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/butterbeanboxer/ More

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    Fake football ticket scam warning as it’s revealed swindled fans lost £177 each on average last season

    FOOTIE fans scammed last season lost £177 each on average in fake ticket cons, stats show.The number of supporters being fleeced also shot up by a third.Footie fans scammed last season lost £177 each on average in fake ticket cons, stats showCredit: GettyArsenal and Liverpool fans were most likely to fall victim to online scammers.And those aged between 25 and 34 were most likely to be suckered — with 29 per cent being taken for a ride.Fans aged 18 to 24 were the next most prone to fall for fakes, at 27 per cent.Lloyds Bank analysed scams reported by its customers during the 2023/24 Premier League season and compared that with the previous year.Read More on SportIn that time, the number of fans reporting fake buys rose by 32 per cent. They lost £177 on average, with some losing more than £1,000.Scams often start with fake posts on social media or online marketplaces for tickets that do not exist. Often they will include pictures of real tickets to trick the buyer.Most read in FootballBut once any money has been transferred, the fraudster then vanishes and the victim receives nothing in return. Lloyds said those looking for match tickets should purchase them directly from the clubs or other trusted sources.Here are the red flags to watch out for to avoid being scammed for football match tickets Clubs will also provide details of any authorised ticket partners on their website, which may include legitimate ways for tickets to be resold.Fraudsters will also target major events where demand for tickets is likely to be high.Earlier this year, Lloyds estimated fans of Taylor Swift lost more than £1million to ticket scammers over her UK tour.Lloyds fraud prevention chief Liz Ziegler warned: “Passions run high when supporting your favourite football team and missing out on the big match after falling victim to a ticket scam can be devastating.“Always stick to official channels as your first line of defence and avoid deals which look too good to be true.” More

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    Woman and man accused of ‘blackmailing’ top F1 racing team boss have charges dropped

    TWO people charged with blackmailing a top F1 executive have had all charges against them discontinued.Ryan Hilton, 42, and Sarah Surita, 31, were accused of demanding cash from a former high-ranking team chief.The alleged blackmail relates to an ‘unwarranted demand of money’ in November 2014 (stock image)Credit: GettyThe alleged blackmail related to an “unwarranted demand of money” in November 2014, according to court papers.The pair had not entered pleas and yesterday the charges against them were formally discontinued in a two-minute hearing at Reading Crown Court, which neither defendant attended.Defence barrister Nadia Shabat said: “This case should not have been on the listings as the matter was discontinued.”As such, the prosecution was told they would not be required to attend.”Read More on F1Judge Amjad Nawaz confirmed: “This is a discontinuation hearing.”The matter will not be called on. The case is discontinued.”The judge did not explain why the case was called off but said he believed the decision to end proceedings was taken too late for it to be pulled from court listings.Hilton, from Maidenhead, Berkshire, had faced two counts of fraud by false representation.Most read in MotorsportHe was also charged with stalking without fear, alarm or distress relating to “repeated social media posts of a derogatory nature”.Surita, 31, who also uses the surname Westbury and lives in Slough, faced one charge of fraud by false representation.Cost of an F1 carIt is understood they were set to deny the charges.The Crown Prosecution Service was invited to comment on why the charges were dropped.At a hearing earlier this year held at East Berkshire magistrates’ court in Slough, the pair, understood to have been charged in January, were released on bail — but ordered not to contact their alleged victim.The court heard they denied making threats or that their actions amounted to blackmail.They also claim the alleged victim’s complaint to the police was inaccurate, it was said. More

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    Scotland & Man Utd ace Scott McTominay’s fiancee’s investment firm being probed by ‘fraud cops’ as star faces £1m loss

    COPS are investigating an alleged “investment fraud” that left Scott McTominay facing a £1million loss.The Scotland idol invested in a failed firm run by fiancée Cameron Reading and her dad Ashley.Cops are investigating an alleged investment fraud that left Scott McTominay facing significant lossesCredit: Kenny RamsayThe failed firm was run by Cameron Reading and her dad AshleyCredit: InstagramBoyzone star Shane Lynch was reportedly an investor in the firmCredit: PA:Press AssociationTOWIE’s Mario Falcone allegedly gave money to Fortress Capital PartnersCredit: GettyFortress Capital Partners went bust in September last year.The firm owed £18million and left 230 people out of pocket.It reportedly borrowed money from investors including Boyzone star Shane Lynch and Mario Falcone from TOWIE, then lent it out at higher interest rates.It has now emerged the firm is the subject of a probe by officers at the Metropolitan Police.The force said: “We can confirm that officers from the Met’s Economic Crime Team are investigating allegations of fraud made to police on 10 November 2023 following a referral from Action Fraud.”There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.”The Readings splashed out millions on luxury investment properties in the UK, Dubai and Spain. McTominay, 27, lent Fortress £1million to buy one in Portugal.Most read in FootballThe footie star now stands to get back just £100,000 after administrators confirmed investors are expected to get just 10p of every £1 they put in.One investor told of their anger over Reading’s social media posts flaunting her “luxury lifestyle”.Man United’s Scott McTominay faces losing nearly £1million after investing in a failed firm run by his fianceThey told the Sun on Sunday: “There is a photo of Cam blowing a kiss with a glass of Champagne at a Claridge’s hotel room with Scott. It really rubs salt in the wound for those of us who’ve lost our life savings or face losing their homes.”There’s another pic from Instagram of Ashley, his wife, Cam and her sister. They always seemed to be going on holiday. At one point, they were in Dubai for months and months.”Cameron has been forced to sell properties in Dubai and Spain to help settle her debts.She was approached for comment by The Scottish Sun. More