Ghana has included Thomas Partey in their preliminary World Cup squad despite the midfielder facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK. His trial is scheduled for June 2027 after a delay, allowing him to potentially play against England.
Thomas Partey is on course to face England at the World Cup this summer after being named in Ghana's preliminary squad, despite facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK.
The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal, was included in coach Carlos Queiroz's 28-man selection for the Black Stars' training camp in Cardiff ahead of a friendly against Wales on June 2. Partey left Arsenal last August and was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault shortly after, with two additional rape charges added in February. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The trial was originally set for November last year but was delayed by British High Court Judge Mr Justice Bennathan, who ordered it to start on June 8, 2027, with an estimated duration of eight weeks. This delay means Partey is available for international duty, and Ghana's Football Association confirmed his inclusion in the camp. The alleged offences date from April 2021 to June 2022, when Partey was still at Arsenal.
He was booed by fans on his Villarreal debut after the charges became public, but club president Fernando Roig defended him. Partey's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that he continues to deny all allegations and has cooperated with police. If Partey makes the final 23-man squad for the World Cup, Ghana will face England in a Group L match at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23. The encounter would pit Partey against Thomas Tuchel's England side.
Other notable players in Ghana's preliminary squad include Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo, Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams, and former Premier League striker Jordan Ayew. The friendly against Wales will serve as preparation for the tournament, with Ghana looking to make an impact on the global stage. Partey's inclusion has sparked debate, as many question whether an athlete facing serious criminal charges should represent his country.
However, under FIFA rules, players are eligible unless convicted. The case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the intersection of sports and legal proceedings. Partey has maintained his innocence and continues to train with the national team. The World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and Ghana's group stage matches are highly anticipated.
The team's performance could be overshadowed by the ongoing legal saga, but for now, Partey remains focused on football. His participation in the tournament could be a defining moment, both for his career and for the broader conversation about accountability in sports
Thomas Partey Ghana World Cup Squad Rape Charges Carlos Queiroz England Vs Ghana
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