Monday 18 June 2018 11:43, UK
Former world tennis No 1 Boris Becker has claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings in the UK - citing his role as a sports attache to the Central African Republic.
Becker, who is a three-time Wimbledon champion, was appointed to the role in April and lawyers for the 50-year-old German lodged a claim asserting immunity in the High Court on Thursday.
His position as attache to the European Union on sporting, cultural and humanitarian affairs is covered by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
This means Becker cannot be subjected to any legal proceedings without the consent of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and his counterpart in Bangui, lawyers Sylvester Amiel Lewin and Horne said.
"The decision to commence bankruptcy proceedings against me was both unjustified and unjust," Mr Becker said in a statement.
"A bunch of anonymous and unaccountable bankers and bureaucrats pushed me into a completely unnecessary declaration of bankruptcy, which has inflicted a whole heap of damage on me, both commercially and professionally, and on those close to me.
"I have now asserted diplomatic immunity as I am in fact bound to do, in order to bring this farce to an end, so that I can start to rebuild my life."
Becker, who is considering seeking compensation, added: "I should add that I am immensely proud of my appointment as the sports and culture attache for the Central African Republic.
We will return for more tennis coverage from the ATP Tour when we head to Germany for the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, live on Sky Sports Arena from 11am on Monday June 18.
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