Full Breakdown
Ghana Coach Defends Inclusion of Charged Midfielder Thomas Partey Ahead of Wales Friendly
6/2/2026, 10:50:55 AM
Selection of Thomas Partey for Wales Friendly Sparks Debate
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz named 32-year-old midfielder Thomas Partey in the provisional 28-man squad for a June 2 friendly against Wales, despite the player facing serious criminal charges.
Legal Background and Presumption of Innocence
Partey is charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London between 2020 and 2022; he denies all allegations, and a trial is set for November, possibly delayed to 2027. The case will be heard at Southwark Crown Court.
Key Figures: Carlos Queiroz, Thomas Partey, and Squad Leaders
Queiroz, 73, former Sir Alex Ferguson assistant, leads Ghana; Partey, ex-Arsenal midfielder now at Villarreal; other senior players include Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, Coventry striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Leicester attacker Jordan Ayew.
Timeline of Charges, Court Appearance, Squad Announcement, and Friendly
Charges filed 2020-2022; court appearance September; trial set for November, possibly delayed to 2027; provisional squad announced 2 June; Wales friendly set for same day.
Data & Statistics
Partey faces eight criminal counts; Ghana’s provisional list listed 28 players, later trimmed to 26; final squad comprises four goalkeepers, ten defenders, five midfielders, eight forwards.
Why It Matters for World Cup Preparation
The friendly serves as Ghana’s final warm-up before Group L matches against Panama, England and Croatia; selection controversy could affect team cohesion and public perception ahead of the tournament.
Official Statements & Responses
Queiroz emphasized the presumption of innocence and condemned premature media judgment; he framed the selection as essential for preparation. Partey denies all charges.
Criticism & Opposition
Social-media users and some commentators have condemned the decision, arguing that fielding a player under serious charges undermines ethical standards and could damage Ghana’s reputation during the World Cup.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact trial date, citing November or a possible postponement to 2027; no official Ghana FA statement beyond Queiroz’s comments is available.
Verbatim Quotes
"It's a simple and basic answer." — Carlos Queiroz, Ghana head coach
"As far as I know, in England, in Portugal, whatever, we are living in this world, until the court makes a decision, that the presumption of innocence is on the side of all court cases." — Carlos Queiroz, Ghana head coach
"But today and this is not only about Thomas, very unfortunately the way the social media and the media sometimes act with full and total impunity, we are condemned even before we have the opportunity to defend." — Carlos Queiroz, Ghana head coach
"So let the events run this normal course. Let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean, we’re going to find the truth." — Carlos Queiroz, Ghana head coach
"It is an honour for us to be here and to play against the national team of Wales." — Carlos Queiroz, Ghana head coach
What’s Next
Ghana will face Wales in Cardiff on June 2, then open Group L against Panama on June 17 before meeting England and Croatia; Partey’s trial proceeds as scheduled, pending any postponement.
