Ian Poveda has pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and perverting the course of justice, appearing via video link at Leeds Crown Court.
The former Sunderland forward is one of three defendants named in the case, which was reported by Chronicle Live.
The hearing confirmed that Poveda denies both charges put to him.
It’s a serious legal matter that sits well outside anything to do with his football career, and we’ll stick strictly to what’s been confirmed in court rather than get drawn into speculation about how it plays out.
Ian Poveda Denies Fraud and Perverting Justice Charges in Court
Poveda entered his pleas alongside two co-defendants during the video link appearance.
He denies fraud and denies perverting the course of justice, the two charges laid against him.
Neither charge relates to his time as a professional footballer, and nothing in the court record links the case to his conduct at any of his clubs.
The case now moves toward trial, with the next steps in the process already mapped out by the court.
Leeds Crown Court Details and Official Trial Timeline
A trial date has been set for December 4, 2028, for Poveda and his two co-defendants.
Adekunle Adeyemi, aged 36, denies perverting the course of justice. Anthony Howe, aged 63, denies fraud. All three will stand trial together on that date at Leeds Crown Court.
No further hearings have been detailed publicly beyond this timeline, and we’ll update supporters if the court schedule changes before then.
Former Forward’s Sunderland Career and Prior Driving Ban
Poveda’s spell at the Stadium of Light was brief.
He made just six appearances for Sunderland before leaving the club on a free transfer to join Internacional de Bogotá.
It was a short stay by any measure. He never really got the chance to establish himself on Wearside, a fate shared by plenty of names covered in our earlier report on players who passed through the club without leaving much of a mark.
That pattern is echoed too in some of the moves involving ex-Sunderland midfielders who moved on for little return.
Poveda was also previously banned from driving for six months after being caught doing 100mph on the A184 in South Tyneside on February 23, 2025.
Prosecutor Brian Payne told the earlier hearing: “It is clear that the Range Rover was travelling well in excess of the speed limit.
“I am going to suggest it was at about 100mph in a 70mph zone.”
Speaking in mitigation at that hearing, defence lawyer Janice Hall argued the offence had taken place “for a very short period of time.”
