Thomas Partey has been included in Ghana's provisional squad for the World Cup, where his nation is set to face England. This selection comes despite the 32-year-old midfielder facing multiple rape charges and an upcoming trial in the United Kingdom.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Partey, who left Arsenal in July 2025, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault four days after his departure. Two additional rape charges were brought in February. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between April 2021 and June 2022, during his time at Arsenal. Partey appeared at a London court last month, and his trial, initially scheduled for November, has been delayed by a British High Court Judge, Mr Justice Bennathan. The trial will now commence on June 8, 2027, and is expected to last approximately eight weeks.
Partey's defence lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated: "Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated with the police throughout. Given there are ongoing legal proceedings, there will be no further comment."
Continued Playing Career
Despite the ongoing legal case, Partey has continued to play football. This season, he made 32 appearances for Spanish club Villarreal, having joined them after being released by Arsenal. The former Arsenal man has now been named in coach Carlos Queiroz's 28-man squad for Ghana's pre-tournament friendly against Wales in Cardiff next Tuesday.
Should Partey make the final squad of between 23 and 26 players, he will be available to face England on June 23 in Boston, Massachusetts. Partey is considered a key player for Ghana, who have lost all six of their friendly matches since qualifying for the tournament.
Background and Career
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in September 2020 for £45 million. During his five years in North London, he made 167 appearances and won the Community Shield. His contract with Arsenal expired last summer, leading to his move to Villarreal.
Other notable players in Ghana's provisional squad include Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo, Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams, and former Premier League striker Jordan Ayew.
Partey's inclusion in the squad has sparked debate, given the serious nature of the charges against him. However, he remains eligible to play as the legal proceedings continue.
