Black Stars vice-captain Thomas Partey has joined Ghana’s camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali after his scheduled court appearance in London was postponed.
Partey, 32, was due at the Old Bailey on Tuesday to face charges of rape and sexual assault, but the case was adjourned to September 15, 2025. The decision allows him to link up with the national team for the crucial qualifiers.
Ghana will travel to face Chad on Thursday, September 4 before hosting Mali on Monday, September 8, with both fixtures key to the country’s hopes of reaching next year’s World Cup. This will be Partey’s first international duty since the charges were made public.
The midfielder, who joined Spanish side Villarreal this summer after leaving Arsenal, faces five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. Prosecutors allege the incidents took place between April 2021 and June 2022 during his time in the Premier League.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Partey’s availability is a major boost for coach Otto Addo as Ghana prepare for two decisive matches.
Credit: ghanasoccernet.com
