October 29
Crisis Facing English Striker
English striker Ivan Toney, who plays for Saudi club Al-Ahli, has been dealt a major blow: a court decision now threatens his participation with the English national team in the UEFA European Championship ("Euro 2028").
Toney appeared before Southwark Crown Court in England on Thursday, facing charges of assaulting a man named Saber da Silva at a nightclub in London on December 6 of last year.
According to English sources, Toney denied assaulting the man at the nightclub, maintaining his innocence regarding the charge.
The sources indicated that Judge Chris Hehir has set a new date for the trial—June 12, 2028—and the English striker has been released on unconditional bail.
As reported by a British newspaper, the judge apologized for the long delay, stating: "This is a very long way off, and I apologize for that. But as you know, the courts are under immense pressure."
Notably, the new trial date coincides with the UEFA European Championship ("Euro 2028"), which is set to be hosted by the United Kingdom between June 9 and July 9, 2028.
Ivan Toney dreams of representing his country in the European tournament—a goal that carries added significance given that he failed to secure a regular spot in the squad for the 2026 World Cup (held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico), a tournament in which the "Three Lions" ultimately won the bronze medal.
