Eriksson's Heirs Inherit Debt Instead of Wealth
The late Sven-Göran Eriksson's family faces substantial debts exceeding his assets, leading to the sale of his estate to address liabilities.
The financial legacy of legendary Swedish football coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, who passed away at 76 from cancer, has taken an unexpected turn. Despite his illustrious career, Eriksson's heirs have inherited significant debts rather than wealth, a revelation that has stirred discussions about financial management among high-profile figures.
According to the Swedish Tax Agency, Eriksson's total assets, including bank accounts, were valued at approximately 66 million Swedish kronor (€5.7 million). However, his liabilities exceeded 118 million kronor (€10 million), leaving a net deficit of over €4 million. These financial troubles trace back to 2007 when Eriksson was defrauded of £10 million by a businessman, an incident that marked the beginning of his financial struggles.
Family attorney Anders Runebjer stated, "While Sven-Göran had managed to repay many of his debts in recent years, his liabilities still far exceeded his assets. As a result, there is nothing left to distribute among his heirs."
In an effort to mitigate the financial shortfall, Eriksson’s family has put his lakeside mansion in Värmland up for sale, listed at 25 million kronor (€2.18 million). This property, a symbol of Eriksson's personal success, now serves as a means to address the lingering debts.
Eriksson himself had openly acknowledged his financial difficulties. In a heartfelt interview with Expressen, he remarked, "I was born poor and will likely die poor, but I’ve had a good life in between." His candid reflection underscores the impact of financial mismanagement and the lasting repercussions of falling victim to fraud, even for those who achieve global recognition.
This situation has become a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of proactive financial planning and vigilance against fraudulent schemes. It also serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift, regardless of one's career achievements.