English FA to Decide Whether Three Lions Players Will Shake Hands with Partey in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The FA is weighing how England’s squad will handle the pre‑match handshake with former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey when they play Ghana at the World Cup later this month.

The two teams will meet in Boston on June 23 for their second group‑stage match, with Partey named in Ghana’s 26‑man squad.

Partey is facing trial in the UK on seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.

England’s governing body will decide how to manage the customary greeting before kick‑off, according to The Times (via GB News).

Partey was first charged with five rape counts and one sexual assault in July last year, and prosecutors added two more rape charges in February.

The 31‑year‑old has denied all allegations.

The Ghanaian international left Arsenal when his contract ended last year and joined Spanish side Villarreal.

Also Read: We’re Solidly Behind Partey – Ghana FA

His trial at Southwark Crown Court in London was originally scheduled for November but could now be postponed until early 2027.

Under his bail conditions, Partey must notify authorities before travelling abroad, and U.S. federal law requires him to declare this information when entering the country.

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to select Partey when speaking ahead of a pre‑tournament friendly against Wales in Cardiff.

He said: “If the player is here with me, my answer is clear.

“I don’t have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about?

“This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.

“Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth.”

James Agberebi

James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams. Facebook : James Agberebi