The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been criticized for naming midfielder Thomas Partey in the Black Stars squad to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the player has multiple rape and sexual assault accusations against him in the United Kingdom.
Partey, aged 32, is charged with five rapes and a sexual assault allegedly committed between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5 with the September 2 hearing scheduled only two days before Ghana’s crucial qualifier against Chad.
The midfielder, who left Arsenal in June after his contract expired, has joined Villarreal and has already featured twice in La Liga.
GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show indicated Partey’s call-up was merit-based. “We have been consistent with all our players, and he is aware of his court case, but has reassured us he is prepared to join the team and is in the right frame of mind to play,” he said.
Asante Twum also added that Partey’s fitness and shape at Villarreal, experience, and commitment made him a good asset for the national team.
Ghana is currently on top of Group I of the African qualifiers with 15 points, as Comoros and Madagascar trail behind them. The Black Stars play Chad in N’Djamena on September 4, and then play Mali in Accra on September 8 in a potentially decisive game.
