Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey may be left out of the Black Stars squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as he battles legal troubles in the United Kingdom.
The 32-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, where he was charged with five counts of rape against two women and an additional charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged offences reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022, during his time with Arsenal, where he played until the expiry of his contract in June 2025. He was charged just four days after leaving the club.
Partey, who recently signed a two-year deal with Spanish side Villarreal, is expected to make his next appearance at the Old Bailey on September 2, 2025. The trial date casts a shadow over his availability for Ghana’s crucial World Cup qualifying matches scheduled just days later.
The Black Stars will travel to N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on September 4, before returning to Accra to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.
With Ghana currently leading Group I after six matches, the team remains on course for a fifth FIFA World Cup appearance. However, the potential absence of Partey, a long-serving midfield anchor, could affect the squad’s balance.
Head coach Otto Addo is expected to announce Ghana’s squad for the qualifiers in the coming days. Sources within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) suggest that Partey’s legal situation may force the technical team to exclude him from the squad in order to avoid distractions.
Although Partey is still eligible to play at the club level, his ongoing legal proceedings could make travel and international duty complicated. The GFA is reportedly monitoring the case closely before making a final decision.
Despite his off-field troubles, Partey has already begun life at Villarreal. He made his second appearance for the Spanish side in their emphatic 5-0 victory over Girona, coming off the bench to a mixed reception. His presence in La Liga highlights his continued footballing ability, but his situation in court overshadows his performances.
If convicted, Partey faces a potential lengthy prison sentence in the United Kingdom. For now, he remains on conditional bail, awaiting his next hearing. The case has attracted widespread attention in both the UK and Ghana, with strong debates around player accountability and how footballing bodies should respond to off-field misconduct.
Losing Partey, who has been a central figure in Ghana’s midfield since 2016, would be a major blow for the Black Stars. His leadership, experience, and defensive stability in midfield have often been decisive in big matches. However, coach Otto Addo has younger options such as Salis Abdul Samed, Majeed Ashimeru, and Ibrahim Sulemana, who could step up if Partey is unavailable.
For Ghana, the focus will remain on securing maximum points against Chad and Mali to tighten their grip on top spot in Group I. Whether Partey will be part of that mission, however, remains in serious doubt.
