Euro 2028 shock! Ivan Toney could miss the tournament because of an assault trial
Ivan Toney's hopes of playing at Euro 2028 are now under serious threat, and the reason has nothing to do with football.
Details: According to Sky Sports, the England and Al Ahli striker appeared at Southwark Crown Court on October 29 and pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Judge Christopher Hehir provisionally scheduled his trial for June 12, 2028, just three days after the European Championship begins on June 9.
The case concerns an alleged incident at the exclusive 100 Wardour Street nightclub in Soho, central London, on December 6, 2025. Prosecutors accuse the 30-year-old footballer of headbutting Saber Da Silva and then punching him several times during a confrontation. The complainant reportedly suffered injuries to his nose and fingers.
Toney denies the charge and was released on unconditional bail following the hearing. The judge apologised for the unusually long delay before the trial, explaining that the Crown Court system is dealing with a significant backlog of cases.
The timing creates a major problem for the striker's international ambitions. With the proceedings scheduled during the Euro 2028 group stage, his participation in the tournament is now in serious doubt. No official decision regarding his potential selection has been announced.
It's worth noting that Toney has earned 10 caps for England, scoring one goal. He represented the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup and currently plays for Saudi club Al Ahli, which he joined from Brentford in 2024.
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Steven Perez
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