Former England winger and four-time domestic champion with Manchester City, Raheem Sterling, is set to appear at magistrates' court in September on charges related to a road traffic accident. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Police have officially confirmed that three charges have been brought against the 31-year-old footballer: dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for unlawful use, and failure to provide a specimen. According to police, Sterling is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on 15 September 2026.
Charges and details of the accident
The incident occurred on the morning of 28 May 2026 near the Minley junction in Hampshire. According to law enforcement, Sterling lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a barrier in his Lamborghini, valued at approximately $369,000. No one was injured in the crash, and no other vehicles were involved. A police spokesperson stated: '31-year-old Raheem Sterling, of Berkshire, has been charged with the following offences: dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for unlawful use, and failure to provide a specimen. Mr Sterling is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on 15 September.'
Legal outlook
Among the possible consequences is criminal liability: according to estimates cited in sports media, dangerous driving in the UK carries a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment, as well as a driving ban and a substantial fine. The final outcome, however, will depend on the court's position and the evidence presented. At the time of writing, the case is at the pre-trial stage and no verdict has been handed down.
Contradictory data
There are inconsistencies across publications that are important to distinguish. First, a number of sources (including the headlines of certain sports portals) reported that the player had been 'arrested' and that drugs were allegedly found in the car, with police initially suspecting Sterling of driving under the influence of drugs. However, the charge of drug impairment was not included in the final list of charges, and a source close to the footballer stated that there is no evidence of drugs in his system. Thus, the claims about 'drugs' are not supported in the final charging document. Second, the value of the car is given differently in various materials — ranging from $360,000 to $369,000, which is a minor but factual discrepancy in the figures.
Career and current status
At the time of writing, the 31-year-old winger is without a club: his short-term contract with Dutch side Feyenoord ended in May 2026. In his career, Sterling won the English championship four times with Manchester City, moved to Chelsea in 2022 for £47.5 million, then played on loan for Arsenal, and in 2025 was dropped from the London side's first team. For the England national team between 2012 and 2022 he made 82 appearances, taking part in three World Cups and two European Championships.
Reaction from his circle
A source close to Sterling, speaking to the publication, noted that the footballer had gone through 'an extraordinarily difficult two years' and felt 'forgotten'. These statements highlight the personal context in which the accident occurred and indicate that the drug-related charges are disputed by the player's circle. Further developments will become known after the hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on 15 September 2026.
