Legal Troubles Cast Shadow Over National Team Prospects
Ghana’s veteran midfielder Thomas Partey, aged 32, is facing the very real possibility of being excluded from the Black Stars squad ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali. This development comes as Partey wrestles with serious legal charges that have brought his international career under intense scrutiny.
Charges and Judicial Timeline
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has formally charged Partey with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, with the alleged incidents dating back to 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal . On August 5, 2025, he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and was granted conditional bail; his next hearing is scheduled for September 2 at the Old Bailey .
Partey has publicly denied all allegations, with his lawyer affirming that he has “fully cooperated with the police and CPS” throughout the investigation, and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name” . Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of protecting the alleged victims and ensuring a fair trial.
Club Career Amid Turmoil
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey has resumed his club career. Having left Arsenal at the end of June 2025, he has since signed with Villarreal CF, making an appearance in their early campaign . His time at Arsenal was marked by both prominence and criticism — he played regularly while under investigation, which drew condemnation from fans and advocacy groups for sexual violence survivors.
National Team Uncertainty
Ghana coach Otto Addo is expected to soon announce the squad for matchday 7 and 8 of the World Cup qualifiers, with Ghana set to face Chad on September 4 in N’Djamena and Mali on September 8 in Accra . Ghana currently tops Group I after six games and is vying for qualification to the World Cup for the fifth time .
However, with his court appearance scheduled just 48 hours before the first qualifier, Partey’s inclusion in the squad remains doubtful . Reports from multiple Ghanaian outlets—including GhanaSoccernet, Adomonline, ModernGhana, and Pulse—indicate that Partey is likely to be left out of the squad due to his unresolved legal situation.
Footballing Impact and Broader Implications
Partey’s absence would deprive Ghana of a key midfield anchor. Since debuting for the Black Stars, he has earned over 50 caps, scored multiple goals, and played a pivotal role in past Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup campaigns.
Internationally, the situation underscores a broader tension: safeguarding legal due process versus the reputational and competitive implications for high-profile athletes facing criminal charges. As he awaits trial, the football world watches closely, aware that the outcomes could reshape part of his legacy — either a comeback through vindication or a career marred by controversy.
Conclusion
Thomas Partey’s involvement with the Black Stars for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers remains shrouded in uncertainty. As his legal process unfolds, both his club and national team futures hang in the balance. A decision by Otto Addo either way will reflect the delicate interplay between footballing priorities and ethical considerations, with Ghana’s World Cup ambitions potentially impacted by factors off the pitch.
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