Greek court handed Maguire a 15-month suspended prison sentence that could have prevented travel into the US
Harry Maguire has received a boost to his 2026 World Cup ambitions after the Manchester United defender’s lawyers made clear he does not hold a criminal record and remains free to travel internationally despite his recent conviction in a Greek court.
The 33-year-old centre-back was found guilty in his absence earlier this week by a court in Syros on three charges of non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery. They stemmed from an incident that occurred during a family holiday in Mykonos in 2019.
The court handed Maguire a 15-month suspended prison sentence, though the player has consistently denied the accusations.
His lawyers have now moved to challenge the ruling, submitting formal notice that they will appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court in Athens. They argue there are major issues with the prosecution’s case and maintain that Maguire’s legal status should not affect his freedom of movement.
Also Read: Tracing Harry Maguire’s Greece Case from Arrest in Mykonos to Prison Sentence in 2026
With England’s World Cup squad set to be announced in May, any criminal conviction could complicate the process of obtaining a visa to enter the United States, where the tournament will be staged.
Under US immigration law, non-citizens with convictions involving offences classed as “moral turpitude” – including violence or bribery – can face restrictions when applying for visas.
Specialist immigration lawyers say that even suspended sentences handed down outside the UK can still be taken into account during the visa process.
Harry Maguire has been handed a 15-month suspended sentence by a Greek court following an incident on the island of Mykonos in August 2020.
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Professional athletes travelling to the United States for competitions typically apply for a P1a visa, a temporary permit that allows them to participate in specific sporting events. The Football Association usually handles these applications on behalf of England players.
However, individuals with criminal convictions cannot follow the standard procedure and may need to apply for a waiver or special exemption. That process could involve additional scrutiny by US immigration officials.
Maguire’s form at club level has revived hopes of an England return. The defender has started and played 90 minutes in every game since Michael Carrick took charge on an interim basis in January.
He has delivered strong performances that have allowed United to claim three clean sheets in their last eight, more than they managed in their previous 21. The 33-year-old’s form has prompted calls for his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of the World Cup, especially given the injury concerns around John Stones.
Tracing Harry Maguire’s Greece Case from Arrest in Mykonos to Prison Sentence in 2026
In 2020 Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was detained in Greece and threatened with charges of aggravated assault after he allegedly struck police officer in Mykonos.
The legal case has now unfolded over nearly six years, beginning with the arrest during a summer holiday and concluding, for now, with a retrial verdict delivered in March 2026.
Maguire was arrested on 21 August 2020 on the island of Mykonos following an altercation involving his family and Greek law enforcement outside a bar. He spent two days in custody before appearing in court on the nearby island of Syros.
