Harry Maguire’s lawyers insist the Manchester United defender has no previous convictions and has full freedom to travel despite being convicted in a Greek court and given a 15-month suspended prison sentence.
Both of these factors are crucial to Maguire’s bid to make England’s World Cup squad in two months’ time, as either could prevent him from being granted a US visa and preventing him from entering the country.
The Manchester United defender has been in excellent form for the club since Michael Carrick took over as head coach and has been linked with a call-up to the England squad, but this will be his first appearance under Thomas Tuchel and his last before the German manager names his World Cup squad in May. Maguire is a likely candidate as John Stones continues to battle over his suitability.
The 33-year-old was found guilty in absentia by a Syros court on Wednesday on three counts of non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery, charges he has always denied since he was first arrested and charged on a family vacation on Mykonos six years ago.
His lawyers have filed papers with Greek authorities informing them of their intention to appeal against the Athens Supreme Court’s ruling. They believe there are serious flaws in the prosecution and have questioned the conduct of those pursuing the case against the England international.
Greek prosecutors told Sky Sports News that while Maguire is determined to clear his name, the case will be pursued thoroughly. But the question of whether he has a criminal record is crucial to his chances of making it to the World Cup.
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Harry Maguire has been given a 15-month suspended sentence by a Greek court – Rob Dorsett has the latest updates. Harry Maguire denied wrongdoing
Under America’s very strict immigration laws, non-Americans traveling to the United States must obtain a visa, but those convicted of crimes involving a “lack of moral integrity” are most likely to be barred from entering the country. The moral turpitudes include theft, fraud, drugs, violence and bribery, the last two of which are central to Maguire’s conviction.
The fact that he was sentenced in a country other than the UK and his sentence was suspended is not relevant to his visa application, a specialist lawyer told Sky Sports News.
All professional athletes who wish to enter the United States must apply for a P1a visa, which allows them to enter the United States temporarily to participate in certain sporting events. Normally, this would be handled by the FA when it comes to English footballers.
However, athletes with convictions are not eligible to apply in the normal way, so if Maguire’s conviction still stands when England depart for Miami in May (assuming he is selected by Tuchel, of course), Maguire may have to apply for an exemption. That may require the involvement of U.S. senators to vouch for him, but it will certainly require more rigorous vetting by U.S. immigration officials.
Nevertheless, President Donald Trump has the ultimate authority to grant or deny foreign contacts, and Maguire’s case will not be helped by Trump’s current spat with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who blames the lack of support in the US war with Iran.
What works in Maguire’s favor is the fact that he is only seeking a temporary visa to play for his country. If he were to apply for a permanent visa (for example, if he agreed to join an MLS team in the summer), it would be much more difficult to do so.
And so far, convicted sports stars have been allowed into the US, including Conor McGregor and, more famously, Diego Maradona, who has been banned twice, once for testing positive for a banned substance and once for insulting Donald Trump.
