Thomas Partey Faces Exclusion from Ghana’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Amid Serious Allegations
- Ghana face the prospect of lining up without Thomas Partey for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying doubleheader in September
- The ex-Arsenal midfielder is scheduled to appear in court just two days before the Black Stars take on Chad
- His record in the qualifiers underscores his importance; he has been directly involved in 11 goals across 12 appearances
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Thomas Partey’s involvement in Ghana’s next round of World Cup qualifiers has been cast into doubt as the midfielder battles serious legal troubles in the United Kingdom.
The 32-year-old has been charged with five counts of non-consensual acts against two women, alongside an additional charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
Source: Getty Images
Thomas Partey's legal battle in the UK
Partey’s problems escalated shortly after he parted ways with Arsenal at the end of June, following the expiration of his contract.
Just four days later, the midfielder was charged and summoned to Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.
After his first appearance, he was granted conditional bail. But the case is far from over.
The Odumase Krobo-born star is expected back in court on September 2, this time at the Old Bailey, one of London’s most high-profile criminal courts.
Despite the looming trial, Partey has managed to secure a lifeline in football. Villarreal CF offered him a deal in La Liga, and he has already made his bow for the Yellow Submarine.
Though his game time has been limited, featuring just 53 minutes across two matches, he has shown flashes of his quality.
Villarreal have made a blistering start to the season, sitting above Barcelona and Real Madrid at the summit of the Spanish top flight.
Partey faces exclusion from Ghana's World Cup qualifiers
While Partey is trying to find his feet in Spain, his international future remains uncertain, as noted by Ghanasoccernet.
With Otto Addo preparing to name his squad for Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers in September, the midfielder’s court date complicates matters.
The Black Stars face Chad in N’Djamena on September 4 before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.
The fixtures come just days after Partey is scheduled to appear before the Old Bailey, raising doubts about whether he can juggle legal obligations with international duty.
Source: Getty Images
Can Ghana cope without Partey?
For Otto Addo, leaving Partey out would be no easy call. The midfielder has been central to Ghana’s qualifying campaign.
In 12 appearances, he has scored nine times, including a memorable brace against Madagascar in March, and has chipped in with two assists, per Transfermarkt.
Ghana currently sit top of Group I, and back-to-back wins would virtually confirm their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
But whether they will march into those decisive games with or without their talisman remains the big question.
Partey’s legal case could stretch into 2026
In a related story, YEN.com.gh highlighted that Thomas Teye Partey’s legal tussle in the UK might stretch well into 2026.
According to legal experts, the case may not proceed to a full trial until then, largely due to its complexity and the backlog of similar matters within the UK court system.
Source: YEN.com.gh
