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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has defended its decision to include Thomas Partey in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the midfielder facing multiple r@pe and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom.
Partey, 32, has been charged with five counts of r@pe and one count of sexual assault, alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 while he was playing for Arsenal. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, with his next hearing scheduled for September 2, just two days before Ghana’s qualifier against Chad.
Since leaving Arsenal in June following the expiry of his contract, Partey has joined Spanish side Villarreal, making two appearances for the La Liga club.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, said Partey’s call-up was based on his form, fitness, and commitment 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 added that Partey had shown strong performances at Villarreal and remained eager to contribute as a senior member of the squad.
Ghana currently leads Group I of the African qualifiers with 15 points, ahead of Comoros and Madagascar. The Black Stars face Chad on September 4 in N’Djamena before hosting Mali in Accra on September 8 in what is expected to be a decisive fixture.
