Ghana's Thomas Partey Denied Canada Entry, Faces UK Rape Trial During World Cup
Ghana vice-captain Thomas Partey, 32, will stand trial in the UK on seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge, which he denies. The trial, originally set for November 2026, may be delayed to early 2027. Despite the allegations, Partey was selected for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup squad. However, Canada denied him entry for security reasons, causing him to miss Ghana’s opener against Panama in Toronto. The case has sparked debate over presumption of innocence and club responsibilities during investigations.
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Canada's Refusal to Allow Thomas Partey Entry Threatens Ghana's World Cup Campaign
Ghana faces a critical World Cup Group L match against Croatia on Saturday without star midfielder Thomas Partey, who has been denied entry into Canada by Canadian authorities due to sexual assault allegations in the UK, which he denies. Partey, now playing for Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, missed Ghana's opening win over Panama in Toronto because of the travel ban. The Canadian government stated that hosting the World Cup does not alter its immigration laws, and each case is assessed individually. Ghana sits second in the group with four points after a draw against England and a win over Panama. A win or draw against Croatia in Philadelphia would secure Ghana at least second place, advancing to the round of 32 in Toronto—again likely without Partey. English defender Djed Spence refused to shake Partey's hand before the England match, and Partey was booed by English fans during the game.
FútbolEngland's Spence Refuses Handshake with Ghana's Partey in Silent Protest Over Allegations
Before England's second World Cup match against Ghana in Boston, England defender Djed Spence refused the customary pre-match handshake with Ghanaian star Thomas Partey, widely interpreted as a silent protest against serious abuse allegations facing Partey. Partey, a former Arsenal player, has been in a London court since April 2023 over charges of raping a woman twice in December 2020. He was denied entry to Canada for the World Cup opener, prompting the match to be moved to the USA. During the game, Partey was loudly booed by English fans whenever he touched the ball. Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz criticized the fans, saying they bring politics into football and should show more morality on larger global issues. The match ended in a goalless draw. Partey refused to comment on the handshake incident after the match.
Nachrichten - WELTThomas Partey booed, Djed Spence snubs handshake as England draw 0-0 with Ghana at World Cup
England and Ghana played out a goalless draw in their Group L World Cup match in Boston on Tuesday evening. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who missed the opening game due to visa issues, played the full 90 minutes. He was booed by England fans when his name was announced before kickoff. Most England players shook hands with Partey, but Tottenham's Djed Spence notably refused. Partey is due to stand trial in the UK next year on charges of rape and sexual assault. On the pitch, England dominated possession (80%) but failed to break down Ghana's deep defensive block, managing their first shot on target only in the 57th minute. Ghana's physical, disruptive tactics frustrated England, who hit the crossbar late through Matt O'Riley. Noni Madueke and Djed Spence were among few bright spots for England.
Mirror - FootballEngland's Djed Spence Refuses Handshake with Ghana's Thomas Partey Amid Rape Allegations
During England's World Cup match against Ghana in Boston, England defender Djed Spence refused the traditional pre-match handshake with Ghana star Thomas Partey. The incident, which was not shown on live television but circulated on social media, left Partey visibly surprised as other England players shook his hand. The refusal is linked to ongoing rape accusations against Partey, who faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in a UK criminal case scheduled for trial in June 2027. Partey, who maintains his innocence, was previously denied entry to Canada for Ghana's first World Cup match due to the allegations but was allowed into the US. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
BILD - SportEngland-Ghana World Cup Match: Djed Spence Snubs Thomas Partey Amid Rape Allegations
During Ghana's second group match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against England at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey was heavily booed by English supporters. Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence refused to shake Partey's hand during the pre-match protocol, a gesture widely interpreted as a protest against the rape and sexual assault allegations pending against Partey. Partey, formerly of Arsenal and now with Villarreal, is accused by four women of rape and sexual assault. He has denied the allegations since investigations began in 2022. Partey was previously denied entry to Canada for Ghana's first World Cup match but was able to enter the United States. He remains on bail and is awaiting trial in England, with potential delays pushing proceedings to 2027.
Home Football - actualitésDjed Spence appears to snub handshake with Thomas Partey before England vs Ghana World Cup match
Social media footage shows England full-back Djed Spence apparently not shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their 2026 World Cup group match in Boston. Partey, who plays for Villarreal and formerly Arsenal, was booed by England fans as he made his tournament debut after missing Ghana's first game due to being denied entry into Canada. The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to four women between 2020 and 2022, and is scheduled to stand trial in 2027. BBC Sport reports the Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake protocol with players. Partey's touches of the ball were regularly jeered by the crowd at Boston Stadium, as he had been admitted to the US despite the pending court case, since he has not been convicted.
BBC SportDjed Spence Refuses Handshake with Thomas Partey Amid Rape Allegations Before England-Ghana Match
A viral video from the England-Ghana match on Tuesday shows English left-back Djed Spence apparently refusing to shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey. Partey, who played for Arsenal from 2020 to 2025 and currently at Villarreal, faces accusations of rape and sexual assault from four women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial in the UK in 2027. The case previously led Canada to ban Partey from entering its territory in June, preventing him from playing in Ghana's World Cup match against Panama, despite a challenge by the Ghanaian government. The handshake incident has drawn further attention to the ongoing legal proceedings against Partey.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuDjed Spence appears to snub Thomas Partey handshake before England vs Ghana World Cup match
During the pre-match handshake before England's World Cup group stage match against Ghana in Boston, Tottenham defender Djed Spence appeared to avoid shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey. Social media footage showed Spence snubbing the 33-year-old, while all other England players followed FIFA protocols and shook hands with their opponents. The FA had not issued specific guidance on the matter. The incident is linked to Partey's legal situation: he denies seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to four women between 2020 and 2022, and is due to stand trial next year. Partey, now playing for Villarreal, was previously denied entry to Canada for Ghana's opening World Cup game but was granted a US visa to play in Boston.
SkySports | NewsThomas Partey Booed by England Fans Before World Cup Match as Three Lions Players Shake Hands
During Ghana's World Cup Group L match against England in Boston, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was booed by England fans when his name was announced. Partey, who was previously denied entry to Canada for Ghana's World Cup opener due to visa issues related to his arrest record, is currently facing trial in the UK in 2027 on charges of rape and sexual assault. Despite the controversy, England players, including Declan Rice, shook hands with Partey before the match. Rice had praised Partey's abilities in a pre-match press conference. Partey described the visa rejection as 'part of football' and stated he is focused on playing. Partey's contract with Villarreal is due to expire and is not expected to be renewed.
Mirror - FootballThomas Partey: Things Happen Outside Football That Are Difficult to Control
Thomas Partey is expected to make his World Cup debut after missing Ghana's previous match against Panama due to being denied entry into Canada. In a statement reported by the Daily Mail, Partey acknowledged that events outside football can be uncontrollable but expressed readiness to play. He said he is happy to rejoin his teammates and hopes they can give their best performance, compete against top teams, and enjoy the game. The article, published by Hupu on June 24, highlights Partey's resilience and focus on the upcoming World Cup match.
虎扑 - 足球England Team Allows Players to Decide on Handshake with Thomas Partey Amid Rape Allegations
The England national team will leave it to individual players to decide whether to shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their friendly match in Boston on Tuesday. Partey, a former Arsenal player, faces seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge in London, with a trial tentatively set to begin on June 7 next year at Southwark Crown Court. He denies all charges. Partey is expected to make his World Cup debut in the match after being unable to play in Ghana's first game against Panama due to being banned from entering Canada, as he failed to disclose the charges in his visa application. The Football Association hopes to keep the focus on football. The decision puts England players, including Declan Rice, in a potentially awkward position.
虎扑 - 足球Thomas Partey: Seven Rape Charges, Trial Postponed, Canada Visa Refused Ahead of World Cup
Ghana and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women, alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. He was initially charged in July 2025 with five counts, with two additional charges added in February 2026. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains on bail with conditions. His trial, originally set for November 2026 at Southwark Crown Court, has been postponed to June 8, 2027. Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, Canadian authorities refused his visa application to travel for a World Cup match, though he was allowed to play in the United States. FIFA confirmed it has no role in host country immigration decisions.
Mirror - FootballThomas Partey ‘ready’ to face England at World Cup after visa issues resolved
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is set to make his 2026 World Cup debut against England on Tuesday after being forced to miss Ghana's opening victory over Panama due to a visa issue with Canada. Partey, who faces multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK (to which he pleaded not guilty), was denied entry to Canada after his application falsely claimed he had no criminal charges. He lost an appeal in Canadian federal court. Because the second match is in the United States, where he entered without issue, Partey is cleared to play. He stated he is ready and unfazed by the missed first game. The White House World Cup task force director commented that due process should be respected. The FA has reportedly left it to England players to decide whether to shake Partey's hand before the match.
Soccer - The AthleticThomas Partey 'Ready' to Face England at 2026 World Cup After Visa Issues
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to make his 2026 World Cup debut against England on Tuesday, after missing the opening match against Panama because Canada denied his visa entry. Partey faces multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His visa application to Canada was rejected after he falsely claimed he had no criminal charges; an appeal to a Canadian federal court failed. The match is in the United States (Gillette Stadium, Foxboro), where Partey entered without issue. Andrew Giuliani, White House World Cup task force director, noted the U.S. approach respects due process. There is potential for further visa problems if Ghana finishes second in their group and must play in Toronto for the Round of 32.
Soccer - The AthleticThomas Partey 'Ready' to Face England at World Cup After Visa Issues Keep Him Out of Opener
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in the UK, is expected to make his 2026 World Cup debut against England on Tuesday after missing Ghana's opening victory over Panama. Partey's visa application to Canada was denied due to his pending criminal charges, preventing him from entering Canada for the first match. He arrived in the United States without issue. His appeal against the Canadian visa denial failed. A White House official commented on the differing approaches between the U.S. and Canada regarding due process. The English FA has reportedly left it up to players whether to shake Partey's hand before the match. Partey's trial is scheduled for June 2027.
Soccer - The AthleticGhana's Thomas Partey Ready to Play Against England Despite Legal Issues
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has stated he is ready and mentally prepared to play against England in a World Cup 2026 match in Boston on Tuesday. The 33-year-old former Arsenal player missed Ghana's win against Panama last week after being denied entry to Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK. Partey has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault and is scheduled for trial next year. While he was barred from Canada after allegedly providing incorrect information, US customs and border protection confirmed he was admitted to the US because he has not been convicted. Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz says the team is fully motivated for the high-profile match against England.
BBC SportThomas Partey Breaks Silence on Canada Visa Denial Ahead of England Friendly
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey broke his silence regarding his recent visa denial by Canada, which prevented him from playing against Panama. Speaking at the training center in Smithfield, USA, Partey expressed readiness to play for Ghana in the upcoming match against England, noting that some things in football are beyond control. He also looked forward to facing former Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. The visa denial is linked to ongoing legal issues, as Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the UK, with a trial scheduled for November. Coach Carlos Queiroz may now deploy Partey on American soil.
RecordThomas Partey: Missing Ghana's World Cup Opener Due to Rape Allegations Is 'Just Part of Football'
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey stated that missing his team's World Cup opener against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK is 'just part of football.' The 33-year-old former Arsenal player was denied entry to Canada after incorrectly stating on a visa application that he had never been arrested or charged. He appealed the decision, but an Ottawa court dismissed the request. Partey has pleaded not guilty to one charge of rape and one charge of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022, with a trial expected next year. He spoke about his absence ahead of a match against England, saying he felt ready to play and that preparation is key. Partey also discussed facing former Arsenal teammate Declan Rice and expressed confidence in Ghana's team coordination and atmosphere.
虎扑 - 足球Thomas Partey breaks silence after World Cup visa scandal as Arsenal stars sent message
Thomas Partey has spoken publicly for the first time after missing Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama due to a visa scandal. The former Arsenal midfielder was denied entry to Canada after incorrectly stating on his visa application that he had never been arrested or charged. He is due to stand trial next year on charges of rape and sexual assault, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Partey, now at Villarreal and expected to leave on a free transfer, said his absence was 'just part of football' and that he feels ready to face England in Tuesday's Group L match. He expressed happiness at facing former Arsenal teammates including Declan Rice, emphasizing the need for collective effort and competition.
Mirror - Football2026 World Cup: Controversy Brews Over England vs Ghana Match Involving Thomas Partey
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match between England and Ghana, controversy surrounds Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing rape allegations and a scheduled trial in 2027. Partey was unable to play Ghana's first match after Canada denied him entry, but he is expected to play against England in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The English FA considered but ultimately decided not to mandate that players avoid shaking hands with Partey, leaving the choice to individual players. Media reports highlight tensions in the UK, already sensitive to such issues following the Mason Greenwood case. The match is under intense scrutiny, and any friendly gestures toward Partey by England players like Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka could draw public backlash.
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