Ivan Toney charged with assault after London nightclub incident
Synopsis
England's FIFA World Cup 2026 striker Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm over an alleged December 2025 nightclub incident in Soho. Toney, who played in England's bronze medal victory over France, says he intends to contest the charge when he appears before Westminster Magistrates' Court on 24 September.
Key Takeaways
Ivan Toney, 30 , was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm by the Metropolitan Police on 31 July .
The alleged incident took place at a nightclub on Wardour Street, Soho , on 6 December 2025 .
Toney is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on 24 September .
His spokesperson said Toney 'welcomes the opportunity to clear his name before the court.' Toney featured for England at the FIFA World Cup 2026 , including the bronze medal win over France .
He has scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for Brentford and holds 10 senior England caps.
England FIFA World Cup 2026 striker Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following an alleged incident at a London nightclub, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday, 7 August. The charge relates to an alleged altercation at a venue on Wardour Street, Soho, on 6 December 2025.
What the Police Said
According to a Metropolitan Police statement, officers launched an investigation after receiving reports of an assault at the central London venue. Toney, 30, of Northampton, was formally charged on 31 July and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on 24 September.
'A man has been charged with assault following a Met investigation. Ivan Toney, 30, of Northampton, was charged on Thursday, 31 July with assault causing actual bodily harm,' the police said in a statement.
Toney's Response
A spokesperson for Toney acknowledged the charge but said the Al-Ahli forward intends to contest the allegation in court. 'Ivan acknowledges the charge and, while he is naturally shocked by the development, he welcomes the opportunity to clear his name before the court,' the spokesperson said.
Toney's Career and World Cup Role
Toney featured for England at the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the bronze medal match victory over France. He has earned 10 senior international caps and scored his maiden England goal in a friendly against Belgium at Wembley Stadium in March 2024.
The striker began his professional career at his hometown club Northampton Town before moving to Newcastle United in 2015. His prolific form at Peterborough United earned him a transfer to Brentford in 2020, where he scored 72 goals in 141 appearances across all competitions, including 36 Premier League goals. He received his first England call-up in 2022 and made his senior debut in March 2023, before completing a high-profile move to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
What Happens Next
Toney is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on 24 September, where proceedings will determine how the case progresses. The charge carries potential consequences for both his club career and international availability, though no official comment has emerged from the Football Association or Al-Ahli at this stage. This comes amid heightened scrutiny of player conduct following England's tournament run.
Point of View
And a criminal charge — however contested — creates an immediate reputational complication for both the player and his club Al-Ahli. The Football Association's silence so far is notable; past precedent suggests governing bodies wait for court outcomes before acting, but the charge alone could affect future squad selections. More broadly, the case is a reminder that the post-tournament window, when players disperse to club football and scrutiny briefly dips, is when off-field incidents from months prior tend to surface publicly.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Ivan Toney been charged with?
Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm by the Metropolitan Police. The charge relates to an alleged incident at a nightclub on Wardour Street, Soho, on 6 December 2025.
When will Ivan Toney appear in court?
Toney is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on 24 September. He was formally charged on 31 July.
What is Toney's response to the charge?
Through a spokesperson, Toney acknowledged the charge but said he intends to contest it. His spokesperson said he 'welcomes the opportunity to clear his name before the court.'
Did Ivan Toney play in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes, Toney was part of England's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad and featured during the tournament, including the bronze medal match in which England defeated France.
Which club does Ivan Toney currently play for?
Toney currently plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Before that, he was at Brentford in the Premier League, where he scored 72 goals in 141 appearances.
