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England and Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating is free to focus on her international football ambitions after criminal charges against her were officially dropped, nearly a year after they were first brought.
The 20-year-old, who had been accused of possessing nitrous oxide canisters alongside her mother, Nicola Keating, 48, is no longer facing legal action. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service has discontinued the case.
The pair were originally charged on 18 June 2024 with possession of a Class C drug following a police investigation. They entered not guilty pleas at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court the following month and were granted unconditional bail. A second hearing in September reaffirmed their pleas, and a trial had been set for November 2025. However, that trial will no longer go ahead.
The timing of the dropped charges is significant, coming just two weeks before Keating joins the Lionesses for their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland. Despite not yet making her senior England debut, she is part of Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad for the tournament.
Speaking after the decision, Keating expressed her relief and determination to move forward:
"I'm relieved the charges have been dropped. As I've always said, I did nothing wrong," she said in a statement to the BBC.
"It's been a difficult time, but I've always known the truth. Now I'm just looking forward to focusing fully on the Euros and spending time with my family."
Keating’s legal troubles stemmed from the classification of nitrous oxide—commonly known as laughing gas—as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in November 2023. Possessing the gas with the intent to inhale it for its psychoactive effects is now illegal, though it remains allowed for legitimate purposes such as in medical pain relief and catering.
Despite the off-field distraction, Keating's on-pitch performance has continued to impress. She made headlines last season by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Women’s Super League Golden Glove, recording nine clean sheets in 22 matches.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @khiara.k98
