HARRY Maguire's retrial for assault and bribery has been stalled for more than a year – and may never go ahead.
The England and Manchester United centre-back was expected to plead his innocence this week during a much-anticipated hearing on the Greek island of Mykonos.
But a legal strike saw it postponed and lawyers say it will now not take place until March next year at the earliest.
Officials are now said to be reluctant to pursue the case, fearing it has damaged the island's reputation and damaged tourism.
The decision to postpone the case extends the ordeal for the chief executive, who has vowed to clear his name following his shock arrest in the summer of 2020.
A source said: “Harry has disputed the charges – and always will.
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“He was on holiday with friends and family and was understandably distraught. He does not want this to hang over him another day, but respects the Greek legal system.”
Maguire, 30, was detained by police and spent two nights in a cell after an altercation during a night out.
Days later he was taken to court and his lawyers were given only two hours to prepare a case.
Crucial evidence was withheld during the trial and Maguire was found guilty of actual bodily harm, attempted bribery and assault.
The footie hero, who has won 62 caps for the Three Lions, was given a 21-month suspended prison sentence.
Maguire's lawyers immediately appealed – overturning the original verdict – and vowed to return to court to clear his name.
The player later told how the ordeal unfolded as he, his wife Fern, sister Daisy and six others waited for a taxi.
He said two Albanian men approached Daisy and tried to talk to her.
Fern said she then noticed that Daisy's eyes had rolled back as she drifted in and out of consciousness.
Maguire said the group shouted at the men but there was no fight.
HARRY MAGUIRE MYKONOS BATTLE TIMELINE