Boris Becker on the insolvency process: "Will tackle this fight like every big match in the past"
Germany's tennis icon Boris Becker is aggressive in a trial in a London court despite the allegations by the British bankruptcy authorities.
by SID
last edit: Oct 25, 2020, 11:17 am
He was "optimistic and in good spirits," the three-time Wimbledon winner told Bild am Sonntag : "I will tackle this fight as I used to approach every big match."
Becker (52) is accused of withholding assets and possessions in his information and for not complying with information requirements. For this he faces up to seven years in prison. In 2017, he was declared bankrupt by a UK court. After the hearing on Thursday, Becker has three months to respond in writing. In court he pleaded innocent on all 28 points.
He was "convinced and believe in the British legal system and its representatives", said Becker: "Of course I will act cooperatively and correctly in all points." He could not understand the "prejudice" in Germany. "I am still innocent and have the right to be treated like any other citizen," he said.
Boris Becker: The trial will begin in September 2021
Another hearing in London is on the program in March, and the actual process is to begin on September 13, 2021 and last up to four weeks. "Otherwise I continue to work normally," said Becker: "Professionally, I am doing well, I have a lot of assignments. Of course, I would like to be in the headlines with my professional issues and not my private ones, but I have to go through that now."
Among other things, Becker is accused of hiding trophies and medals from his tennis career, including the trophy for his historic first Wimbledon victory in 1985, from the insolvency administrator. He is also said to have concealed real estate and bank balances and also transferred large sums of money to the accounts of his former partners Barbara and Lilly Becker.
"I can give you the example of my Wimbledon Cup: For three and a half years the insolvency service has known exactly where the cup is and who has it," said Becker. Regarding the payments to his exes, he said: "I will not answer this question. However, I am amazed that very private things have come to the public."