Harry Maguire has been impressive under Michael Carrick and the Manchester United defender is in contention to represent England at the 2026 World Cup this summer
Harry Maguire has been handed a 15 month suspended sentence but will appeal that punishment
Harry Maguire has been handed a 15 month suspended sentence but will appeal that punishment
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Harry Maguire's lawyers have made it clear the Manchester United defender does not have a criminal record and is free to travel to the United States for this summer's World Cup. Both factors will be key to his involvement at the World Cup next summer and being granted a visa to enter the United States.
The 33-year-old was convicted by a Greek court and handed a 15-month suspended sentence following the incident in Mykonos, which took place six years ago. Maguire has been in excellent form for United since Michael Carrick took interim charge of the club, putting his name back in the mix for and England call-up.
If he is to return to the Three Lions squad, it will be the first time he's been called up under Thomas Tuchel since taking over from Gareth Southgate. However, his chances at going to the World Cup are in doubt, after was found guilty in his absence at a Greek court earlier this week.
The United defender has strongly denied the allegations and Sky Sports say his lawyers have told Greek authorities they plan to appeal the verdict at the Supreme Court in Athens. Maguire's legal team claim there are flaws in the prosecution's case and has questioned the conduct of those pressing ahead with the proceedings.
The report claims a Greek prosecutor will pursue the case to its full extent, while Maguire is intent on proving his innocence. It will be key in determining whether or not the defender has a criminal record, which is vital ahead of a potential World Cup appearance in the United States this summer.
The USA has strict immigration laws, and any non-US citizen travelling over the border requires a visa, but those with a criminal offence involving "moral turpitude" are likely to be denied entry. Those offences include theft, fraud, drugs, violence and bribery - two offences that Maguire has been charged with.
However, specialist lawyers have reportedly told Sky Sports News that the fact he has been sentenced in a country other than the UK and that the sentence has been suspended will have no impact on his visa application. Footballers set to participate in the World Cup next summer will need to secure a P1a visa for entry into the country, granting them temporary access to partake in the tournament.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire plans to appeal his conviction
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire plans to appeal his conviction (Image: PA)
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The FA typically manages this process for the international team, however, athletes with a criminal conviction cannot apply in the usual manner and if Maguire's conviction stands when England travel to the US in May, assuming he's picked by Tuchel, he might have to seek an exemption.
This could necessitate a US senator vouching for him, followed by a rigorous evaluation from American immigration offices. President Donald Trump holds the ultimate authority to approve or reject any foreign individual's entry into the country, and the ongoing conflict in Iran could factor in, with Trump openly dissatisfied with Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the 'lack of support.'
Sporting figures who have had convictions - such as Conor McGregor and Diego Maradona - have both been granted entry to the United States, despite their past criminal records. The fact that Maguire will only require a temporary visa should work to his advantage, if the charges remain in place and he's chosen for the World Cup squad.