Former English footballers to meet UK government as V11 campaign presses case over financial losses

Former English footballers including Danny Murphy, Brian Deane and Rod Wallace are set to meet UK government officials as part of a campaign seeking action over investment losses that have left some facing severe financial consequences.The players are members of the V11 campaign group, which represents individuals who invested with Kingsbridge Asset Management during the 1990s and early 2000s. Many of those involved say they lost substantial sums and are now being pursued for tax on investments that ultimately failed.Prime Minister Keir Starmer has instructed Treasury officials to meet with the group, following increased political scrutiny of the issue. The talks are expected to focus on whether further support or policy changes are needed.Speaking in Parliament, Labour MP Jo White drew comparisons with other major financial scandals, saying: “Working-class footballers lost hundreds of millions to financial mis-selling, but the V11 group is still being pursued for tax on money they never had.”Murphy, who previously represented England, has spoken about the personal impact, saying he lost millions through the investments. Wallace, a former top-flight striker, was declared bankrupt in 2024, highlighting the long-term consequences for some of those involved.The Prime Minister said the meeting would examine “what further steps the government can take to support those affected,” suggesting the issue may lead to broader discussions around financial regulation and athlete protection.The case has raised wider concerns within football about the vulnerability of players to complex financial schemes, particularly during an era when oversight and education were less developed. Hundreds of professionals are believed to have been affected, with some losing homes or facing ongoing financial hardship.An investigation by City of London Police previously concluded that players were “victims of crime,” although no charges were brought due to a lack of sufficient evidence.Meanwhile, HM Revenue & Customs has continued to pursue outstanding tax liabilities. In a statement, the authority said: “We have a duty to collect tax when it is legally due,” while also acknowledging the stress such cases can place on individuals.Campaigners are now calling for legal changes to ensure victims of failed or fraudulent schemes are not held responsible for resulting tax bills.As the meeting approaches, the V11 group hopes its case will prompt reforms aimed at improving financial protections for players and addressing the long-standing impact of the losses.