Sports
Lionesses star cleared of charges ahead of Euro 2025: ‘I’m relieved’
England goalkeeper Khiara Keating has had charges against her dropped nearly 12 months after she pleaded not guilty to possessing nitrous oxide canisters.
The Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case against the 20-year-old Manchester City player and her mother Nicola, 48, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.
Both women were charged with possession of a Class C drug on 18 June last year following a police investigation.
They appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court in July, where they denied the offence and were granted unconditional bail.
Khiara Keating has had charges against her dropped nearly 12 months
PA
The Lioness, recently selected for England’s Euro 2025 squad, expressed relief at the outcome.
“I’m relieved the charges have been dropped. As I’ve always said, I did nothing wrong,” Keating said.
Keating has yet to make her senior England debut but was included in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad for next month’s European Championship.
The tournament represents a significant opportunity for the young goalkeeper to establish herself on the international stage.
Nitrous oxide became a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in November 2023.
Possession with intent to inhale it for psychoactive effects is now illegal, though legitimate uses remain permitted, including in catering and as pain relief during childbirth.
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Khiara Keating has always maintained her innocence
PA
Despite the legal proceedings, Keating’s on-field achievements have been remarkable.
She became the youngest player to win the Women’s Super League Golden Glove award last year, keeping nine clean sheets in 22 league appearances for Manchester City.
The dropped charges allow Keating to concentrate fully on her football career as she prepares for her first major international tournament.
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