England players will reportedly decide for themselves whether to shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Group L clash in Boston.
The development comes as the Black Stars prepare to face the Three Lions, with Partey expected to return after visa issues kept him out of Ghana’s opening 1-0 win over Panama in Canada.
FA reportedly to issue no directive
According to the UK’s Daily Mail, the English Football Association (FA) will not instruct players on whether to take part in the customary pre-match handshake with the former Arsenal midfielder.
The report said the FA wants the focus to remain on football. Players will therefore be left to make their own decisions.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is also said to have avoided discussing legal matters. The report added that there have been no formal talks within the England camp about Partey’s case ahead of the match.
The issue is likely to attract attention because several England players, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, were teammates of Partey during his time at Arsenal.
Partey set for first appearance of tournament
The Villarreal midfielder is expected to make his first appearance at the tournament after missing Ghana’s dramatic victory over Panama.
Partey was unable to travel to Canada after he was reportedly denied entry by immigration authorities.
Media reports said Canadian officials rejected an appeal after it emerged during a hearing that information relating to the charges he faces in the United Kingdom had not been disclosed in his visa application.
His absence forced Ghana to begin the tournament without one of its most experienced players and deputy captain.
Despite that setback, the Black Stars secured all three points thanks to a stoppage-time winner from 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi.
Government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, later confirmed that Ghana had engaged Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels in an attempt to secure a review of the decision.
Trial scheduled for next year
Partey is due to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court in London on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
According to UK media reports, proceedings are expected to begin on June 7 next year.
The allegations stem from 2022, when the midfielder was first arrested. He has denied all the allegations against him.
Despite the investigation, Partey continued to play for Arsenal until the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2024-25 season before joining Spanish side Villarreal.
Focus remains on World Cup campaign
For Ghana, the immediate priority remains the World Cup.
The Black Stars head into Tuesday’s encounter encouraged by their victory over Panama and boosted by the expected return of Partey.
His experience could prove important against an England side regarded as one of the tournament favourites.
Although the legal case continues to attract attention, both teams will be focused on securing a positive result in a match that could have a major impact on the outcome of Group L and the race for a place in the knockout stage.
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