Will England players shake hands with rape and sexual assault accused Thomas Partey in FIFA World Cup clash? FA makes decision

× England players will shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey when the two sides clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, June 23. The former Arsenal star is facing charges of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. Ad Partey, 33, did not play in Ghana's 1-0 win over Panama after he was denied entry into Canada.

However, the Villarreal star is set to line up for the Black Stars against the Three Lions at the Boston Stadium. As reported by The Telegraph, the English FA has not issued any directive to the England players regarding their involvement with Partey. This means they are expected to shake hands with the Ghanina midfielder when the two teams exchange pleasantries before the start of the match.

Ad Trending In 2025, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault. An additional two counts of rape were added to the charge earlier in February, but the midfielder has pleaded not guilty. England kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a winning note, defeating Croatia 4-2.

A victory over Ghana will ensure their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare. The Three Lions sit atop Group L with three points, same points as Ghana, but with a superior goal difference. Ad England star Bukayo Saka misses training ahead of FIFA World Cup clash with Ghana England forward Bukayo Saka did not train with the team ahead of their FIFA World Cup clash with Ghana, as per The BBC.

Rather, the 24-year-old was engaged with an indoor individual program as he recovers from an Achilles injury he has been managing. Ad The Arsenal star came off the bench in the 72nd minute and provided an assist to Marcus Rashford in England's 4-2 win over Croatia. While his absence from the Ghana game has not been confirmed, Saka's availability for the encounter is now in doubt.

Saka has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis since March, but managed to play through and guide Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004. He recorded 11 goals and nine assists in 49 matches across competitions for the Gunners. × Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Okenna Okere England players will shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey when the two sides clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, June 23. The former Arsenal star is facing charges of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. Ad Partey, 33, did not play in Ghana's 1-0 win over Panama after he was denied entry into Canada.

However, the Villarreal star is set to line up for the Black Stars against the Three Lions at the Boston Stadium. As reported by The Telegraph, the English FA has not issued any directive to the England players regarding their involvement with Partey. This means they are expected to shake hands with the Ghanina midfielder when the two teams exchange pleasantries before the start of the match.

Ad Trending In 2025, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault. An additional two counts of rape were added to the charge earlier in February, but the midfielder has pleaded not guilty. England kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a winning note, defeating Croatia 4-2.

A victory over Ghana will ensure their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare. The Three Lions sit atop Group L with three points, same points as Ghana, but with a superior goal difference. Ad England star Bukayo Saka misses training ahead of FIFA World Cup clash with Ghana England forward Bukayo Saka did not train with the team ahead of their FIFA World Cup clash with Ghana, as per The BBC.

Rather, the 24-year-old was engaged with an indoor individual program as he recovers from an Achilles injury he has been managing. Ad The Arsenal star came off the bench in the 72nd minute and provided an assist to Marcus Rashford in England's 4-2 win over Croatia. While his absence from the Ghana game has not been confirmed, Saka's availability for the encounter is now in doubt.

Saka has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis since March, but managed to play through and guide Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004. He recorded 11 goals and nine assists in 49 matches across competitions for the Gunners. × Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Okenna Okere × Was this article helpful? Quick Links Ad More from Sportskeeda Fetching more content... What's your opinion?

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