In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the world of professional darts, teenage phenom Luke Littler is poised to lose a staggering sum from his breakthrough World Darts Championship prize money. The financial hit comes not from the oche, but from a closed-door legal settlement following the loss of a domestic violence case brought against him by his former girlfriend, Faith Millar.
Littler, 17, captured the global imagination in January 2024 with his fairytale run to the PDC World Darts Championship final, earning approximately £1 million in prize money and sponsorship bonuses. However, The Daily Telegraph can reveal that nearly half of that life-changing sum will be diverted to Millar as part of a confidential financial settlement, the direct result of a civil court ruling.
Case Details Emerge
While specific details of the allegations remained private during the initial legal proceedings, sources close to the matter confirm that Faith Millar, 21, initiated a civil suit against Littler last year, accusing him of assault and coercive behavior during their relationship. The case was heard in a county court, where the burden of proof is based on the balance of probabilities, a lower threshold than in criminal cases.
The court reportedly found in Millar’s favor earlier this year. This ruling opened the door for a significant financial claim for damages, culminating in the recently finalized settlement agreement. The near-£500,000 figure is understood to cover legal damages, Millar’s substantial legal costs, and other associated expenses.
A Stunning Financial Blow
The settlement represents a dramatic financial reversal for Littler, whose darting prowess had seemingly set him up for a secure future. Industry experts note that while his earning potential from exhibitions, sponsorship, and future tournaments remains high, the immediate loss of such a large portion of his first major windfall is a significant blow.
“This is an extraordinary situation,” commented sports finance analyst Mark Dowling. “Athletes often face financial pressures, but it’s rare to see a legal settlement of this magnitude consume prize money so publicly and so swiftly. It underscores the severe financial repercussions that can follow from personal conduct issues, entirely separate from an athlete’s professional performance.”
Silence from Both Camps
Representatives for Luke Littler have declined to comment on the settlement, citing confidentiality agreements. Littler himself has not addressed the matter publicly since a brief statement following the court ruling, in which he expressed regret for “mistakes made in a past relationship” but did not elaborate on the specifics.
Faith Millar’s legal team issued a short statement: “Ms. Millar is relieved this painful chapter is concluded. The settlement has been reached, and she now asks for privacy as she moves forward with her life.”
Reaction from the Darts World
The news has sent ripples through the close-knit darts community, where Littler had been celebrated as a fresh, charismatic force. The PDC has so far made no official comment, likely viewing the matter as a personal legal issue outside its jurisdiction. However, sponsors will be watching closely, as Littler’s marketability was heavily tied to his “boy-next-door” image.
Fan reaction is mixed, with many expressing disappointment and others offering support for the young player to learn and grow from the experience.
Moving Forward
For Luke Littler, the path ahead now involves navigating not just the pressures of being a top-tier darts player, but also the financial and reputational aftermath of this case. His focus will inevitably return to the dartboard, where his talent remains undeniable, but his story now carries a complex and costly footnote.
The case serves as a stark reminder that in the modern sports landscape, an athlete’s fortunes can be dramatically altered as much by their actions off the stage as by their performance on it.