Ivan Toney faces Euro 2028 clash after court hearing delayed until tournament

Ivan Toney’s hopes of representing England at Euro 2028 have been put under threat after a court hearing involving the Al-Ahli striker was postponed until the middle of the tournament.

Toney appeared before Southwark Crown Court in England on Thursday, accused of assaulting a man named Saber da Silva at a nightclub in London on 6 December last year.

The England international denied assaulting the man and maintained that he was not guilty of the charge, according to Sky Sports.

Judge Chris Hehir set a new trial date of 12 June 2028 and released Toney on unconditional bail.

That date falls during Euro 2028, which will be hosted by the United Kingdom from 9 June to 9 July 2028. The timing means Toney’s court case could prevent him from being available to England during the European Championship.

The judge apologised for the length of the delay, according to the Sun.

“This is a very distant date, and I am sorry about that. But, as you know, the courts are under enormous pressure,” he said.

Toney, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, is hoping to feature for England at the tournament. His prospects of securing a regular place in the national team had already been tested after he failed to establish himself as a starter at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

England won the bronze medal at that tournament, but Toney was unable to claim a guaranteed starting role. The prospect of his trial being held during Euro 2028 now adds another potential obstacle to his involvement in the competition.

The forward will remain on bail while awaiting the new hearing date. His immediate position is that he denies the allegation against him.