AFL star Scott Pendlebury has launched legal action against his former manager Jason Sourasis, claiming he misappropriated more than $2.1 million of his funds.
The Collingwood midfielder lodged the claim for loss and damages against Sourasis in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday but the statement of claim was released to media this week.
Sourasis is the former chairman of Western United, the crisis-stricken soccer club that the A-League put into "hibernation" in September amid escalating financial concerns.
Court documents state Sourasis had access to Pendlebury's bank accounts, as he had been providing him financial advice and services since 2013.
It's alleged between January 2015 and December 2023, Sourasis improperly transferred $2,148,900 from Pendlebury's investment account to accounts associated with Sourasis. There were more than 50 transactions allegedly made in that time frame, ranging from $5,000 to $305,000.
Pendlebury only became aware the funds were missing in February and he claims the transactions were not made in his interest or in good faith, the documents state.
He also alleges Sourasis has not repaid any of the money.
Pendlebury also claims he lent $300,000 to Sourasis on March 15, 2023, with the understanding it would be repaid the next day.
The agreement changed on March 22 of that year, with Pendlebury accepting it would instead be repaid in six to 12 months with interest, the documents state.
Pendlebury alleges Sourasis has since refused to pay back the loan or any interest that has been accrued.
The footballer claims he has suffered loss and damages as a result of Sourasis' actions.
Pendlebury is seeking the return of $2,148,900 with interest, as well as an order for restitution of any traceable proceeds of the allegedly misappropriated funds.
He has also made a claim for the $300,000 loan with interest at the rate of 50% a year, calculated from March 22, 2023.
Sourasis has been approached for comment, as have Pendlebury's manager and legal representatives.
Pendlebury has played 425 games for the Collingwood Football Club, including two premierships in 2010 and 2023.