In an upcoming April hearing in London, Chelsea forward Sam Kerr’s legal representatives will endeavour to have her criminal charge for racially aggravated harassment dismissed from court.
Kerr, aged 30, asserted her innocence during a remote appearance at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court on Monday.
According to court documents shared with ESPN, a further hearing will take place on April 26, when “the defence will be arguing abuse of process.”
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Kerr faces charges of causing harassment, alarm, or distress to a police officer during an incident in Twickenham, southwest London, on January 30, 2023.
If Kerr’s legal team fails to succeed in the upcoming April hearing, a trial is anticipated to occur next February. The trial is expected to span four days, with testimony from two police officers.
Kerr holds a prominent status as one of Australia’s most recognisable personalities.
She boasts the title of Australia’s all-time leading scorer in international football, having netted 69 goals in 128 games. Additionally, she guided the Matildas to the semi-finals of the recent Women’s World Cup.
At the club level, Kerr has been a standout performer, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s success in securing the Women’s Super League title throughout her four seasons with the club.
Her impressive career spans stints in both Australia and the United States.
However, Kerr is currently sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained during a training camp with Chelsea’s women’s team in Morocco in January.
While Australia has secured qualification for the women’s soccer tournament in Paris, Kerr’s participation remains uncertain.
Anna Meares, the Australian Olympic Committee’s Chef de Mission for the Paris Olympics, emphasized that Kerr’s eligibility to represent her country at the Summer Games will be determined by the Australian Olympic Committee.
Meares clarified that although the Matildas have secured qualification, no players have yet been nominated by Football Australia.