The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has justified its choice to include Thomas Partey in the Black Stars lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the midfielder being charged with multiple r@pe and sexual assault allegations in the United Kingdom.
Partey, 32, faces five counts of r@pe and one count of sexual assault, with the alleged incidents occurring between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, with his next court date set for September 2, only two days before Ghana’s qualifier against Chad.
After his Arsenal contract expired in June, Partey moved to Villarreal in Spain, where he has made two appearances for the La Liga club.
Henry Asante Twum, the GFA’s Communications Director, spoke on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, explaining that Partey’s inclusion was based on his current form, fitness, and dedication to the national team. “We have supported all our players, and he is aware of his court case, but he has assured us he is ready to join the team and is in the right frame of mind to play,” Asante Twum said. He noted that Partey has displayed impressive performances at Villarreal and remains enthusiastic about contributing as a senior squad member.
Ghana leads Group I of the African qualifiers with 15 points, ahead of Comoros and Madagascar. The Black Stars will face Chad on September 4 in N’Djamena and then host Mali in Accra on September 8 in what is anticipated to be a crucial match.
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