The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has justified its decision to call up Thomas Partey for the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the midfielder facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom.
Partey, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegedly committed between 2021 and 2022 while at Arsenal. He appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, with his next hearing scheduled for September 2—two days before Ghana’s qualifier against Chad.
Following the expiration of his Arsenal contract in June, Partey signed with Spanish club Villarreal and has already made two appearances in La Liga.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, explained that Partey’s inclusion was based on merit. “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,” Twum said. He added that the midfielder’s recent form at Villarreal and his leadership role within the squad justified the call-up.
Ghana tops 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 a potentially decisive clash.
