Thomas Partey has been named in Ghana's provisional 28‑man World Cup squad and could line up against Wales in Cardiff this Tuesday, despite facing seven rape counts and a sexual‑assault charge in London. The 32‑year‑old Villarreal midfielder denies the allegations, with trial set for November, possibly slipping to 2027.
Carlos Queiroz, the 73‑year‑old Ghana boss, stood by his decision, saying the presumption of innocence must hold until a court rules. “As far as I know, in England, in Portugal, wherever we are, we live in a world where the presumption of innocence stands until proven guilty,” the Portuguese veteran insisted. He added that media and social media often pre‑judge, condemning a player before he can defend himself.
The move throws a spanner in the works for Ghana's preparation. Alongside Partey, the Black Stars also have Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Coventry striker Brandon Thomas‑Asante and Leicester’s Jordan Ayew in the mix. All eyes will be on the Cardiff clash, not just for tactics but for the legal drama swirling around their midfield lynchpin.
How will Ghana handle the Partey controversy?
Queiroz’s stance is crystal clear – he trusts the legal process and refuses to bench a player before a verdict. For Ghana supporters, the decision adds a layer of risk.
Is the presumption of innocence enough for a World Cup squad?
In Ugandan sport circles, opinions are split. Some argue that until a court decides, a player should not be excluded – a principle Queiroz echoes. Others feel the moral weight of the allegations outweighs legal technicalities, fearing reputational damage for the national team. The debate mirrors local controversies where clubs juggle talent against off‑field conduct.
The Cardiff match will be a litmus test. If Partey starts and performs, Queiroz’s faith might be vindicated, boosting morale ahead of Qatar. If the case resurfaces or the media backlash intensifies, Ghana could face internal turmoil just weeks before the big tournament.
Will Ghana’s World Cup chances suffer from this saga?
Probably not dramatically. Ghana still boasts quality across the pitch. Partey’s talent, if on display, could lift the team. The real risk lies in distraction – a factor Ugandan fans know all too well when clubs juggle off‑field drama. Keep an eye on the odds; a steady hand may reap rewards.
Watch the Highlights
Source: Mirror
