Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, and failing to provide a specimen, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed on Wednesday 26 August.

The charges relate to a single-vehicle collision on the M3 southbound, near the Minley interchange, on 28 May. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported. Sterling's Lamborghini was the only car caught up in the incident.

The 31-year-old, who is from Berkshire, is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 15 September. He has not yet entered a plea.

Three separate charges

It is worth being precise about what Sterling faces, because the three charges are distinct:

  • Dangerous driving — the most serious of the three, carrying a maximum two-year custodial sentence and an obligatory driving ban on conviction in a Crown Court.
  • Possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation — nitrous oxide (laughing gas) became a Class C controlled substance under the Psychoactive Substances Act following legislative changes in 2023. Possession for wrongful inhalation is the specific framing used by the force.
  • Failing to provide a specimen — typically a breath, blood, or urine sample at the roadside or at a police station. Refusal is itself an offence, separate from any drink or drug-driving allegation.

None of these charges constitutes a conviction. Sterling is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the magistrates court hearing next month will be a preliminary step in that process.

Where Sterling stands as a footballer

The timing is notable because Sterling is currently without a club. He left Chelsea in the summer of 2025 after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge, having spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Arsenal. He subsequently signed a short-term deal with Dutch side Feyenoord until the end of last season, but did not extend that arrangement.

At 31, Sterling's career record still commands respect. He scored 20 goals in 82 appearances for England, was part of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, and featured in the Euro 2020 final. His club career brought four Premier League titles, five League Cups, and an FA Cup during his time at Manchester City, where he moved in 2015 after coming through QPR's academy and developing at Liverpool.

He was made an MBE in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to racial equality in sport — recognition of the prominent role he played in anti-racism campaigns during a turbulent period for the game.

What happens next

The 15 September hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates Court is the immediate next step. Depending on how Sterling's legal team responds, the case could remain in the magistrates court or — given the dangerous driving charge — be committed to Crown Court, where sentencing powers are greater. The market will likely factor the legal uncertainty into any club interest, though a verdict at this stage would be premature.

FootballBoard will update this story as the legal process develops.

Frequently asked

What charges does Raheem Sterling face?
Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, and failing to provide a specimen. The charges follow a single-vehicle crash on the M3 on 28 May 2026. He has not yet entered a plea.
When is Raheem Sterling's court date?
Sterling is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 15 September 2026 for an initial hearing.
Is Raheem Sterling still playing football?
Sterling is currently without a club. He left Chelsea in 2025, spent 2024–25 on loan at Arsenal, then joined Feyenoord on a short-term deal before leaving at the end of last season.