Ivan Toney Trial Date Set for 2028, Ruling Out Euro 2028 2026

England striker Ivan Toney has effectively been ruled out of Euro 2028 after his trial for assault occasioning actual bodily harm was scheduled for 12 June 2028. The 30-year-old appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, standing in the dock to confirm a not guilty plea.

Toney is accused of head-butting and punching Saber Da Silva at a Soho nightclub on 6 December last year. Judge Hehir set the trial date for 20 months' time and apologised to Toney for the delay, saying: “That’s a long way, I’m sorry about that. As you may know, the crown courts are operating under a great deal of pressure.”

The scheduling means Toney will be unavailable for England during the group stage of Euro 2028, which is being held in the UK and Ireland. It appears inconceivable that England manager Thomas Tuchel would select a player facing a criminal trial during a major tournament.

What Happened in Court?

Toney, wearing a black button-up cardigan, white shirt and tie, stood in the dock to confirm his not guilty plea. The judge told him he was in a queue of defendants awaiting crown court trials, highlighting the backlog in the UK justice system.

Toney was released on unconditional bail and told it was “very important” that he attends the trial. The player left the court without commenting to reporters.

Why This Matters for Toney’s England Career

Toney was part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup, coming on as a substitute against Argentina in the semi-final and starting the third-place playoff victory against France. However, he was not included in Tuchel’s next squad for the Nations League fixtures at the end of September and early October.

With the trial set for June 2028, Toney’s availability for Euro 2028 is virtually impossible. The tournament, hosted by the UK and Ireland, is scheduled to start in June 2028, meaning the trial would overlap with the group stage. Even if Toney is cleared, the disruption and media scrutiny would likely deter Tuchel from selecting him.

The Legal Process and Potential Outcomes

The charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. However, Toney’s not guilty plea means the case will proceed to trial unless the prosecution offers no evidence or Toney changes his plea.

The 20-month wait for trial is not unusual in the UK, where crown courts are facing significant backlogs. Toney will remain on unconditional bail until the trial date.

Impact on Al-Ahli and Club Career

Toney currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, having joined from Brentford in a big-money move. The legal proceedings may affect his availability for club matches, although the trial is set for the off-season in most European leagues.

Al-Ahli has not commented publicly on the situation, but the club will monitor developments closely. Toney’s form and focus could be affected by the impending trial, which is now less than two years away.

What to Watch Next

Toney’s legal team will now prepare for trial, which is expected to last several days. The prosecution will present evidence, and Toney will have the opportunity to defend himself. The outcome will have significant implications for his career and reputation.

In the meantime, Toney will continue to play for Al-Ahli and hope to force his way back into the England squad. However, the shadow of the trial will loom large over his international future.

FAQ

The legal saga surrounding Ivan Toney continues to unfold, and the 20-month wait for trial will keep the striker in the headlines. As the case progresses, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see how it affects his club and country careers.

For a deeper look at the initial charge, see our report on Ivan Toney charged with assault. The details of his plea and the court proceedings are covered in our article on Ivan Toney pleading not guilty. And for a tactical breakdown of his performances, check out Watkins vs Toney: Saudi Pro League striker showdown.

Off-field incidents are not uncommon in football, as seen in the case of Mallorca goalkeeper Iván Cuéllar injured in canteen accident. Meanwhile, high-profile trials like Russell Brand denying assault in rape trial testimony show how legal battles can dominate public discourse.

As Toney awaits his day in court, the football world will be watching. Whether he can maintain his form and focus remains to be seen, but the trial date has already cast a long shadow over his Euro 2028 hopes.