John Arne Riise and his advisors have launched an investigation into how a wage slip belonging to the Norwegian international was made public. Two images of the pay packet, containing the player's address in Liverpool and his National Insurance number, have appeared on the internet revealing the 27-year-old earned £139,634.62 gross in August 2006; constituting his £120,000-a-month basic salary, a £250 point bonus, a £4000 appearance bonus and a £15,384.62 Champions League payment. On the downside, deductions including £55,508.28 in tax, a £65 meal bill and £36 for a match ticket left Riise with a net wage of £82,413.67
While the financial revelations have angered the Liverpool defender, he is reportedly more concerned by the threat of identity fraud following the disclosure. Both the club and the player's representatives have begun their own enquiry into how the information was made public, with Riise adamant he did not put the slip in the bin. No break-ins have been reported at the Norwegian's home and Liverpool give all players their wage slips in person in an attempt to avoid such security lapses, although Merseyside Police had not received a complaint as of yesterday.
"We are taking the matter extremely seriously and we are investigating," said a Liverpool spokesman last night.
This is not the first financial mishap to befall Riise. Earlier this year he was declared bankrupt over a £100,000 debt following a dispute with a former agent, although the charge was later annulled on appeal.