Tragic Sven-Goran Erikkson faced string of disasters that saw him lose MILLIONS & conned by fake football billionaire
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HE was one of the highest-paid football managers of all time, raking in a cool £25million during his five-year reign as England boss. But Sven-Goran Eriksson’s glittering career was scarred by a string of financial disasters that left him penniless.
![[Sven Goran-Eriksson, manager of Leicester City.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/leicester-citys-manager-sven-goran-5422608.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Swede, who tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer last August, lost millions over the years before a desperate bid to save his fortune. Despite his footballing success, Swedish documents revealed Eriksson died £8.6 million (88 million kronor) in debt.
![[Sven Goran Eriksson at a Notts County press conference.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/22-7-09-sven-goran-929665207.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
His lawyer and close friend Anders Runebjer blamed his tax debts on poor investment decisions - including a failed film scheme in 2006. The 76-year-old was best known for managing England from 2001 to 2006 and made history as the first foreign manager to lead the team at two World Cups.
![[Three men in suits at a football match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/5-9-09-nathan-willett-963910174_1e5b21.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
During his 36-year career, Eriksson had a number of lucrative roles and received around £7million in pay-offs alone from England, Manchester City - where he spent a season in charge - and Mexico. He also coached IFK Goteborg, Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio and Leicester City, winning 17 major trophies.
![[Sven-Goran Eriksson and Nancy Dell'Olio.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/18-01-2006-england-football-927739320.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But away from the pitch, Sven fell victim to several embarrassing scams and financial disasters. From fake billionaires to an unscrupulous adviser, we take a look at scams which fleeced the late manager…. The most bizarre chapter of Eriksson's football career began in June 2009 when he was first contacted by convicted fraudster Russell King, a former financier from Jersey.
![[Sven-Goran Eriksson at a press conference.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/outgoing-england-national-soccer-team-3615713.jpg?strip=all&w=689)
