The company claims the former chairman, Hussein Rifai, had run up credit card bills for tens of thousands of dollars for items which were not approved by the company.
Dr Rifai has challenged the County Court claim and told Country News that he had offered to settle the dispute by offering to pay for any items he may have mistakenly charged.
However, he said the company opted to take the matter to court and he contends that the legal costs could eventually amount to more than the claimed amounts.
SPC says the items charged include amounts incurred at a foot spa in Dubai, luxury goods retailers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and a florist in Sydney.
Earlier this month the company confirmed it had begun proceedings in the County Court of Victoria against both Dr Rifai and Thor Capital Pty Ltd, a company owned by Dr Rifai.
“The proceedings relate to alleged breaches of directors duties and other obligations and claims for recovery arising from certain historical expenditure, reimbursements and related party arrangements.
“The company alleges, among other things, that amounts were incurred or paid in circumstances that were not properly authorised or were otherwise not for a proper company purpose,” the SPC board has told the stock exchange.
The statement said the company was seeking recovery of the amounts claimed, together with interest and costs.
“The allegations concern historical matters and do not involve any current member of the SPC Global board or leadership team.”
SPC is claiming damages of $84,298.91.
The claim for expenditure on credit cards between 2024 and 2025 amounts to about $18,600, and for unauthorised air fares in 2024 $38,000.
Dr Rifai was a director of SPC Global between 2019 and November 2025, joining the company after the sale by Coca-Cola Amatil.
The plaintiff is seeking a trial in Melbourne by judge alone.
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