Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey’s scheduled court appearance on rape and sexual assault charges has been adjourned to September 15, allowing him to remain available for the Black Stars in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 32-year-old was initially set to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2, but the case has now been moved to Southwark Crown Court. Partey faces five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, with the alleged offences dating between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
Partey was formally charged just four days after leaving Arsenal, when his contract expired at the end of June 2025. The charges have sparked widespread attention, given his role as a key figure in both club and national football.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey’s availability for the Black Stars has been confirmed. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) issued a statement noting that the midfielder is “in the right frame of mind and in top shape”.
Partey has already joined the national team camp and will travel with Otto Addo’s squad to N’Djamena, where Ghana will face Chad on September 4 at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. The team will then return to Accra to host Mali on September 8.
Ghana currently lead Group I after six matches as they chase a fifth World Cup appearance. Partey’s presence in midfield is expected to be vital as the team seeks to consolidate their lead in the qualifiers.
