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ALLEGATIONS: Former Charlton star Richard Rufus is facing claims that he mismanaged millions of pounds

EX-FOOTBALLER Richard Rufus is under investigation for the alleged mismanagement of millions of pounds and allegations of misappropriating investors' funds.

In a civil case brought against the former footballer turned financial consultant, the 40-year-old faces a 15-year ban from running a limited company if found guilty.

Appearing in the High Court on May 20, Judge Briggs who questioned Rufus asked him: “What do you say about using £3.5 million of other people's funds for your own benefit?”

Rufus allegedly refused to respond without consulting a lawyer, saying he did not want his words to be ‘taken out of context’.

Briggs asked Rufus if he had accepted deposits of money from third parties between May 2007 to February 2011 “without being authorised, in breach of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.”

Rufus replied: “I cannot comment on that."

Rufus, of Lewisham, represented himself, requesting additional time to prepare his defence ahead of the start of a civil trial on June 24.

He was granted until June 3, with Judge Briggs warning: “This is your last chance.”

The former footballer who was voted Charlton’s greatest ever defender in 2005, was declared bankrupt in October 2013. He came out of bankruptcy last year but the Insolvency Service is pursuing the case against him.

INVESTIGATION: Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s KICC church entrusted Rufus with their finances

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Rufus is understood to have debts of more than £18 million, having allegedly misappropriated funds trusted to him by 93 investors.

Amongst his debtors are Nigerian pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in Walthamstow whom he owes a rumoured £5 million.

Rufus became a member of the church after becoming a ‘born-again’ Christian and was entrusted to invest the money on its behalf.

A separate probe is underway by the Church Commissioners looking into where the money has gone.

Another alleged victim of Rufus’ misdeeds is former Chelsea defender Paul Elliott.

Elliott, a member of the Football Association’s inclusion advisory board was forced to step down from his previous role with the FA and anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out in 2013 after a text message exchange with Rufus became public.

The high-profile exchange between the two former friends and business partners culminated in a libel action case.

Rufus demanded £150,000 in aggravated damages for the alleged ‘harm’ done to his reputation.
The text message sent by Elliott to Rufus read: “Ur a stupid n****r, You dog. Ur history.”

The case was subsequently dismissed.

Until the start of the civil trial Rufus is prohibited from trading with public funds.

The judge said: “I ask you to make an undertaking not to use any third party funds between now and the final determination of the matter for the purpose of trading.

“This will ensure the public has some protection between now and the end of the hearing. If you breach this understanding you may be sent to prison or fined, it's very serious.”