Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is widely expected to be booed as he makes his first appearance at this year's World Cup against England in Boston on Tuesday. The former Arsenal player, who now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, is currently awaiting trial after being charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations against Partey involve four women and relate to incidents alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2022. The initial charges, brought in July 2025 following an investigation by the Met, consisted of five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman. Partey pleaded not guilty to all charges. In February, prosecutors brought two further rape charges relating to a fourth alleged victim, with the 32-year-old again pleading not guilty. He continues to deny all allegations.
Visa Issues and Missed Match
Partey was forced to miss Ghana's opening match against Panama in Toronto last week after being denied a visa to enter Canada. While the rest of the squad travelled from their base in Rhode Island, Partey stayed behind. Court documents revealed that his application for a temporary resident visa in May had failed to disclose his criminal charges. Under Canadian law, foreign nationals can be denied entry even without a conviction.
A FIFA statement said: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp to Canada for their first match against Panama as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Partey's Response and Coach's Support
Addressing the situation after training, Partey said: “I think for me now it’s part of football. Things happen outside football that you cannot control, but for me now I feel OK and I am ready to play.” Ghana head coach Carlos Quieroz defended his decision to include Partey in the World Cup squad. “If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. Let events run their normal course. Let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we will find the truth,” he said.
Partey remains on bail. A trial initially scheduled for November 2026 could be delayed until early 2027. Having been granted a US visa, Partey is eligible to play against England and also against Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday.
