Harry Maguire could face obstacles in his bid to feature at the upcoming World Cup after a Greek appeals court reaffirmed his conviction linked to a 2020 altercation in Mykonos.
The Manchester United F.C. defender, who turns 33 this week, had sought to overturn findings of assault and bribery but was unsuccessful. The ruling comes as he battles for a place in the England squad under manager Thomas Tuchel, with competition for defensive spots intensifying.
During proceedings, prosecuting lawyer Ioannis Paradisis criticised Maguire, calling him “arrogant” after the appeal was dismissed. Maguire has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he was trying to shield his sister, Daisy, during the incident.
Reports indicate his legal team had just two hours to prepare for the appeal hearing. While the conviction itself cannot be appealed again, his lawyers may still contest aspects of the ruling on legal grounds at a higher court.
The decision could affect Maguire’s participation in the tournament, which will be staged across the United States and Mexico, as he must now disclose the conviction when applying for a visa. The The Football Association declined to comment.
Maguire has earned 64 caps for England and played a pivotal role at the 2018 World Cup, memorably scoring a header against the Sweden national football team in the quarter-finals as England progressed to the semi-finals.
His standout displays for Leicester City F.C. and England secured him an £80 million transfer to Manchester United in 2019, making him one of the world’s most expensive defenders at the time.
In recent years, however, he has faced increased competition at international level, with younger defenders such as Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa emerging as strong options. Judges reduced his original sentence to 15 months and 20 days, along with a €1,500 fine.
Paradisis claimed the court rejected what he described as a fabricated account and suggested football authorities should consider disciplinary measures, questioning how a player with a criminal conviction continues to compete at the highest level.
The incident occurred while Maguire was on holiday in Mykonos with his wife Fern, his sister Daisy, and friends. According to the defender, the dispute began after two men approached his sister. He said Daisy fell ill and denied that any fight had taken place before three men — later identified as undercover police officers — intervened as the group tried to leave in a taxi.
Maguire said he initially believed he was being abducted and attempted to flee, explaining that he had one hand in handcuffs and moved it while trying to escape. He insists no punches were thrown and alleges that officers later taunted him at the Mykonos police station, suggesting his football career was finished.
Despite periods of intense scrutiny and inconsistent form at Manchester United, Maguire has experienced a resurgence in recent seasons and remains a key figure under manager Michael Carrick. He was named Premier League Player of the Month in November 2023 after United recorded three straight clean sheets.
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