Five former footballers have withdrawn their allegations against a former adviser in response to a libel suit against their claims.
Last week (March 31), a statement read out in a public hearing at the High Court confirmed that Robert Lee, Steve Stone, Warren Barton, John Beresford, Paul Kitson and a sixth party had withdrawn claims against business consultant Kevin Neal, whom they, through their solicitors, alleged had "defrauded" them and "acted negligently".
The court heard the allegations were made in a claim form, and particulars of claim, that were never actually served on the claimant and had subsequently become invalid.
A default judgment was then irregularly obtained and was also not served on Neal.
In response to the original allegations, which were repeated in the media, Neal filed a libel suit against the six defendants, a group that comprised the five well-known former Premier League footballers as well as George Glenister, a retired businessman associate.
The court heard that the defendants had subsequently consented to the setting aside of the default judgement, and had “agreed to withdraw their claims against Neal personally and not to issue any further claims against him in relation to these events”.
Neal’s solicitor said the libel claim against the six men should also be “considered closed” as a result.
amy.austin@ft.com
