Harry Maguire’s six-year legal battle to overturn his conviction stemming from a 2020 holiday altercation in Greece has ended in defeat.
A Greek appeals court confirmed the Manchester United defender’s guilt on charges of assault and bribery following the incident with police officers on Mykonos.
The 32-year-old, who was not present for the hearing, saw his original 21-month suspended prison sentence reduced to 15 months and 20 days, along with a €1,500 fine.
While Maguire’s legal representatives cannot lodge a further appeal against the conviction itself, they retain the option to challenge specific legal points before a higher court.
The conviction carries significant implications for Maguire’s international career, potentially derailing his hopes of representing England at this summer’s World Cup.
The tournament, hosted jointly by the United States and Mexico, requires players to obtain visas for entry.
Maguire will be obliged to disclose his criminal record as part of the visa application process, creating uncertainty over whether he will be granted permission to travel.
Harry Maguire has emerged as a key player for Man Utd boss Michael Carrick | PA
The timing proves particularly awkward for the father of two, who remains a regular in the England setup.
Despite the court ruling, he is expected to feature in Manchester United’s starting XI against Newcastle United this evening.
The incident occurred during a family holiday when Maguire was enjoying an evening out with his wife Fern, sister Daisy, brother Joe and six other companions.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
Trouble began as the group waited for transport back to their accommodation, when two Albanian men approached Daisy and attempted to engage her in conversation.
According to Maguire’s account, his sister suddenly appeared to lose consciousness, her eyes rolling back as she drifted in and out of awareness.
The group confronted the men verbally, though Maguire maintained no physical altercation took place.
Three plain-clothed Greek officers then arrived on the scene.
Maguire has consistently claimed he believed the group faced a kidnapping attempt, having no indication the men were police.
He alleged officers struck his legs while threatening his football career would be finished.
Ioannis Paradisis, the prosecution lawyer acting for the police officers, offered a scathing assessment of the footballer following the verdict.
“His made-up story was not believed by the court and he was convicted again,” he told The Sun.
“Throughout he has been totally unrepentant and arrogant.”
Harry Maguire is in Man Utd’s squad for tonight’s Premier League match with Newcastle | PA
Paradisis demanded an apology from Maguire, describing him and his co-defendants as “a disgrace to their country and football too.”
He questioned how Premier League authorities could permit a player with a criminal conviction for violence to continue competing without facing disciplinary measures.
Maguire’s brother Joe received a partial reprieve, with judges acquitting him of attempted bribery whilst upholding charges of aggravated assault and verbal abuse against officers.
