Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey could be omitted from the Black Stars squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali, as he faces ongoing legal proceedings over rape allegations.
The 32-year-old has been charged with five counts of rape involving two women, along with an additional charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Premier League side Arsenal.
Partey was formally charged just four days after leaving Arsenal, where his contract expired at the end of June. He appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 August, and was granted conditional bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for 2 September at the Old Bailey.
Despite the controversy, the former Atlético Madrid midfielder has secured a move to Spanish La Liga side Villarreal. However, with head coach Otto Addo set to name his squad for Matchday 7 and 8 of the qualifiers, Partey’s inclusion remains highly uncertain.
Ghana will travel to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on 4 September before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on 8 September. The Black Stars currently top Group I after six matches and will be aiming to maintain their momentum as they push towards a fifth World Cup appearance.
