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| Boris Becker Claims Diplomatic Immunity In Bankruptcy Case |
The three-time Wimbledon winner claims his appointment as a diplomat by the Central African Republic (CAR) affords him protection from any legal claims.
Mr Becker was declared bankrupt in 2017 over money owed to private bank Arbuthnot Latham. He is now being pursued for "further assets".
The conflict-ridden CAR is one of the world's poorest countries.
It made Mr Becker a sport and culture attache to the EU in April 2018.
Mr Becker's defence has been lodged in the High Court.
His legal team said: "This means he cannot be subject to legal process in the courts of any country for so long as he remains a recognised diplomatic agent."
The former tennis champion said the proceedings were "unjustified and unjust" and being declared bankrupt "inflicted a whole heap of damage on me".
He said he was asserting diplomatic immunity to "bring this farce to an end" and stop "the gravy train for the suits".
He added: "I am immensely proud of my appointment [by] the Central African Republic...sport is incredibly important in Africa and is fast becoming a universal language."
Central African Republic:
- Rich in diamonds, gold, oil and uranium, but has one of the world's poorest populations
- Unstable since independence from France in 1960; renewed crisis since rebels seized power in 2013
- 27% of the population, 1.2m people, have fled their homes; 2m need food aid, 45% of the population
- Life expectancy is 48 (men) and 51 (women)
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