As Thomas Partey prepares to begin his World Cup campaign with Arsenal on Tuesday in Boston, the pre-match narrative has been engulfed by the serious allegations levelled against the midfielder. Partey, who spent last season at Villarreal and is set to be released this month, has denied all accusations of rape. However, his inclusion in the Ghana squad and the prospect of facing former teammates has placed the ceremonial pre-match handshake under intense scrutiny.
The Football Association has remained tight-lipped over what will transpire when the two teams line up at Gdańsk Stadium. According to The Guardian, the FA will leave it to Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, both former club-mates of Partey at Arsenal, to decide individually whether to shake hands. The situation is unprecedented, given the nature of the charges, and has sparked debate about the responsibilities of players in such circumstances.
Quick Facts
Fixture: England vs Ghana
Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Kick-off: 8:00 PM local time (1:00 AM BST)
Venue: Gdańsk Stadium, Boston
Broadcast: BBC One (UK), Fox (US) – streaming details to be confirmed
The Charges and Partey’s Denial
Partey, 33, was charged in 2025 with multiple counts of rape, allegations he has strenuously denied. His legal team released a statement at the time asserting his innocence and vowing to clear his name. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Partey continued his club career with Villarreal on loan from Arsenal and has remained a fixture in the Ghana national team. He is expected to be a free agent at the end of the month, with no club yet confirmed for the 2026/27 season.
The case is ongoing, and Partey has not been suspended by FIFA or the Ghana Football Association. This has raised questions about the duty of care to both the player and the alleged victims, as well as the broader message sent by allowing him to participate in the sport’s showpiece event.
The Handshake Dilemma
The pre-match handshake is a routine part of World Cup protocol, intended to promote fair play and sportsmanship. However, for England’s players, the ritual carries extraordinary weight when Partey stands before them. The FA’s decision to delegate the choice to the individuals avoids imposing a collective stance but places Rice and Saka in a highly personal and public predicament.
“The FA will leave England’s players to decide whether they wish to go through the ritual with Partey,” a source told The Guardian. “It’s a delicate matter and we support whatever decision our players make.”
Analysts suggest that a refusal to shake hands could be seen as a powerful gesture of solidarity with survivors of sexual assault, while going through with it might be interpreted as maintaining professional courtesy on football’s biggest stage. Either way, television cameras will capture every second.
Former Teammates’ Perspective
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka spent several seasons alongside Partey in the Arsenal midfield, forming close professional bonds. Both have yet to comment publicly on the situation. Rice, now a club captain at Arsenal, has previously spoken about the importance of integrity and respect within the squad. Saka, known for his principled stand on social issues, faces a similarly weighty choice.
Ghana coach Otto Addo has publicly backed his player, stating that Partey is “fully focused on football” and that the team will rally around him. Meanwhile, England manager Thomas Tuchel has refused to be drawn on the matter, insisting his team is solely preparing for a difficult Group A opener.
Key Takeaways
- Serious Allegations: Thomas Partey denies multiple rape charges but remains an active participant in the World Cup.
- Player Decision: The FA has empowered England players, particularly former Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, to decide individually whether to shake hands with Partey.
- Global Spotlight: The handshake ceremony will become a focal point, with potential symbolism far beyond the pitch.
- Ongoing Debate: The situation reignites discussions about the balance between presumption of innocence and safeguarding in professional sport.