Thomas Partey couldn't even get into Canada. His visa application was denied after he falsely declared on the form that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime — which, given that he's awaiting trial in England on eight counts including seven charges of rape, was never going to hold up. Ghana appealed in Canadian federal court. It was upheld anyway.
So the Black Stars played their World Cup opener against Panama on June 17 without their vice-captain. They won 1-0 in the 95th minute through Caleb Yirenkyi. Ghana managed fine. Partey watched from Rhode Island.
Now he's expected to start against England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium — called "Boston Stadium" under World Cup sponsorship rules — and that match is shaping up to be one of the most charged atmospheres of the tournament. Not for football reasons.
The charges and the case
Partey is awaiting trial on seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault involving four separate women. The alleged incidents span 2020 to 2022, during his time at Arsenal. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A Westminster Magistrates' Court judge ruled in April that all eight counts will be tried together — but the trial itself may not happen until January 2027.
His legal team's position is straightforward: Partey "vehemently defends his innocence and denies all charges against him," per Villarreal's statement when he signed with them last August. Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku has stood behind him publicly. Coach Carlos Queiroz, who took the job in April, leaned on the presumption of innocence when defending Partey's selection before a June 1 friendly against Wales.
That friendly in Cardiff ended with Partey getting booed throughout. He was also booed at Tottenham when representing Villarreal in the Champions League. Boston's reception is unlikely to be warmer — and England's FA is reportedly "weighing its options" on whether to instruct players to skip the pre-match handshake with him.
Ghana's response — and what it means for the match
Ghana's National Sports Agency Director General Yaw Ankrah floated an idea on Joy News: make Partey captain for the England game so he leads the handshake line, and if he's snubbed, the entire Black Stars squad refuses to shake hands in solidarity. That's the kind of gesture that turns a diplomatic friction point into a full international incident before a ball is kicked.
On the football side, Queiroz was almost dismissive when asked about Partey's impact after the Panama win. "I think if you saw the game, then you have the answer to your question," he said. "I think you can have better questions for me." Hard to argue — Ghana kept a clean sheet and found a winner in stoppage time without him.
Whether Partey genuinely improves the Black Stars' chances against England is a legitimate question. He's 33, managed just 25 Villarreal appearances this season without scoring, and Villarreal have already decided not to pick up the option on his contract — making him a free agent again this summer. His club career is clearly in its final chapter.
- Partey faces seven rape charges and one charge of sexual assault in England
- Trial is not expected before January 2027
- His visa to Canada was denied after a false declaration on his application
- Ghana beat Panama 1-0 without him on June 17
- He is expected to face England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA
- Villarreal will not activate the option year on his contract
The England match will be played in the country where Partey is due to stand trial. That alone makes it one of the more uncomfortable fixtures of any World Cup in recent memory.
