Scott Pendlebury, the former captain of the Collingwood Football Club, has initiated a lawsuit against his ex-manager, Jason Sourasis, alleging that he misappropriated a substantial sum of $2.4 million over an eight-year period. The case was filed in the Victorian Supreme Court on October 6, 2023, with Pendlebury claiming he is owed $2,448,900 plus interest.
According to court documents, Pendlebury, a celebrated player with two premiership titles to his name, became aware of the alleged financial discrepancies in February 2025. The lawsuit asserts that between January 2015 and December 2023, more than 50 transfers totaling $2.14 million were made from Pendlebury’s company, S Pendlebury Investment Co, into accounts linked to Sourasis without Pendlebury’s knowledge or consent.
The statement of claim accuses Sourasis and his firm, Strategic Financial Planning, of breaching fiduciary duties by failing to disclose these transfers, which were purportedly designed to generate unauthorized profits.
In addition to the alleged siphoning of funds, the legal documents reveal a separate incident in which Pendlebury loaned Sourasis $300,000 on March 15, 2023. Sourasis reportedly requested this loan due to issues with his personal bank account, promising repayment within a day. However, approximately a week later, he proposed a repayment schedule of six to twelve months at an interest rate of 50 percent. Pendlebury contends that Sourasis has not repaid the loan or any interest owed.
Pendlebury’s legal team is seeking the return of the misappropriated funds, along with interest and any profits generated from them.
In response to the allegations, Sourasis issued a statement to the Herald Sun, vehemently denying the claims and asserting his intention to defend himself in court. Sourasis, who is also recognized as the executive chairman of the A-League club Western United, has encountered financial challenges this year. The club was placed into liquidation following reported tax debts.
On September 6, 2023, Western United announced it would not compete in the upcoming A-League season as it transitioned into hibernation. Furthermore, the Australian tax office filed legal action against Sourasis in the County Court of Victoria on October 3, 2023, alleging that he and his companies have accumulated a tax debt of $6.69 million. As of now, Sourasis has not filed a defense in either case.
The outcome of Pendlebury’s lawsuit against Sourasis could have significant implications not only for both parties but also for the broader landscape of financial management in professional sports.
