2026 WCQ: GFA Explains Why Thomas Partey Remains in Black Stars Squad Despite Serious Charges
- Thomas Partey has been included in Ghana’s 24-man squad for September's round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup
- The 32-year-old was widely expected to be excluded from the list due to his ongoing legal case in the UK
- Partey remains a vital figure as the Black Stars push for a fifth appearance on the global stage
The Ghana Football Association has explained the decision to include Thomas Partey in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the midfielder’s ongoing legal battles in the United Kingdom.
Partey, 32, was widely tipped to miss out on the doubleheader against Chad and Mali after serious charges were brought against him in the summer.
Source: Getty Images
On August 5, he made his first court appearance, facing five counts of non-consensual acts involving two women and an additional charge of sexual assault against a third.
The charges were filed only four days after he officially ended his stay with Arsenal.
Following his exit from the North London outfit, Partey signed with Spanish club Villarreal, where he has already featured in two competitive games.
Source: Getty Images
The Black Stars midfielder maintains his innocence and has been granted conditional bail.
His next court appearance is set for September 2, just two days before Ghana’s opening qualifier against Chad.
Why Partey made Ghana’s World Cup qualifying squad
Speaking on Accra-based radio station Asempa FM, the GFA’s Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, revealed why the midfielder was still included in Otto Addo’s plans.
“We have supported all our players, and he is aware that there is a court case ahead of him, but he [Thomas Partey] has assured us that he will be able to join the team and is in the right frame of mind to play,” he said, as quoted by Ghanasoccernet.
Asante Twum further pointed to Partey’s performances at Villarreal as proof of his readiness.
“If you watch his two games for Villarreal, he is in top shape, and as a senior member of the team, he is ready to return for the games,” he added.
When will Ghana resume the 2026 World Cup qualifiers?
Ghana will travel to N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on Thursday, September 4.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to Accra to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium, according to Ghanafa.org.
The team currently sits top of Group I with 15 points from six matches, holding a three-point cushion over Comoros and five over Madagascar.
The squad is also expected to begin camp in Accra on Monday, September 1, as preparations intensify for another push toward a fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.
Why Kwasi Sibo missed out on the Black Stars squad
In a separate report, YEN.com.gh highlighted the GFA’s explanation regarding Kwasi Sibo’s exclusion from the Black Stars squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
GFA spokesperson Henry Asante Twum emphasised that the decision was not a dismissal of the player’s abilities or contributions.
Source: YEN.com.gh
