Explained: Thomas Partey trial latest and what it means for his World Cup participation with Ghana
Editor’s note: This piece was originally published on June 2. It has been updated to reflect the news that Partey is unavailable for Ghana’s first World Cup match.
Thomas Partey was called up for Ghana’s World Cup squad despite rape and sexual assault charges against him in the United Kingdom but will miss their opening match in Toronto on June 17.
The former Arsenal midfielder, 32, was granted a visa for the United States and is part of Ghana’s training camp at Bryant University, Rhode Island, but he will be unavailable for his nation’s first match against Panama in Toronto next week after being denied a visa to enter Canada.
Here, The Athletic explains the allegations against Partey — which he denies — and his participation at this World Cup.
What are the charges?
On July 4, 2025, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which he pleaded not guilty to in September.
These initial six charges relate to three women and are alleged to have taken place in 2021 and 2022. Detectives at London’s Metropolitan Police began their investigation into Partey in February 2022 when they received a report of alleged rape.
In February 2026, Partey was charged with two new counts of rape, which he pleaded not guilty to in April. The two further charges relate to a fourth woman after a separate report of non-recent offences in 2020 and following a new investigation by the Met. These allegations were first reported to police in August 2025.
Speaking in February, Partey’s defence lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said: “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated fully with the police throughout. Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, there will be no further comment.”
When does the trial start?
The trial at Southwark Crown Court in London was originally scheduled for November but may now be delayed until early 2027.
Where and when are Ghana playing at the World Cup?
Under the conditions of his bail, Partey is obliged to notify authorities of any plans to travel abroad.
Ghana’s squad arrived in Washington D.C. for the World Cup on June 4, with Partey among the travelling group having secured a visa for the U.S.
They moved to their training base at Bryant University in Rhode Island, New England, on June 11 but Partey will not be part of the squad for their fixture against Panama in Toronto on June 17 after being denied entry to Canada.
Ghana’s two other group stage fixtures are in the U.S., against England in Foxboro, Massachusetts on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Thomas Partey playing for Ghana in March (Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
How could the allegations affect his participation?
Guidance from the United States government says that “if you have ever been arrested, cautioned and/or convicted of an offense anywhere in the world, you are required to declare it when applying for a visa”.
Chloe Dybdahl of Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment, a sports immigration consultancy based in Washington D.C., told The Athletic before the tournament started there are some provisions which make people ineligible for a U.S. visa, including if they are convicted of or have admitted to a “crime involving moral turpitude” — which rape and sexual assault would fall under. Partey denies the allegations against him and has not been convicted, so this provision would not apply.
Dybdahl says there is a “catch-all provision”. “That is for anyone whom the consular officer believes generally will not comply with the terms and conditions of their visa classification, and that includes who might engage in criminal activity in the United States.”
A charge relating to a crime of moral turpitude could therefore have an impact on a visa application, Dybdahl says.
“Without a conviction, it wouldn’t hit that specific ground. But there could still be general concerns about whether or not he could comply with the terms and conditions of his visa classification in the United States. It really depends on all of the circumstances.
“When a consular officer is evaluating someone’s visa eligibility, they are conducting a holistic evaluation of the applicant in front of them to determine full eligibility. It absolutely is case-by-case.”
Partey’s visa for the United States was approved and he is part of their training group at Rhode Island, but Canada rejected his visa application to travel there.
The Canadian government’s website says, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” Partey has been charged, but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) told The Athletic in a statement before the World Cup: “Without any signed consent form, it is not possible for IRCC to provide details regarding any individual situation.
“We can, however, state that the safety and security of Canadians is our priority as we welcome FIFA World Cup participants and visitors from around the world. That is why IRCC applies its rules consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile, or role in the tournament.
“IRCC officers are trained decision makers who assess an individual’s eligibility and admissibility in accordance with Canadian immigration laws. If they believe that an individual could pose a security risk, they may decide to deny them entry.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said to The Athletic: “The Trump Administration is focused on protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.
“The Department of State adjudicates all visa applications on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and other applicable laws. All available information is considered in the adjudication of visa applications.
“The Department also conducts continuous vetting of every alien who holds a valid U.S. visa, revoking the visa when information arises that indicates a potential visa ineligibility.”
The White House was contacted for comment.
How much has Partey played for club and country since he was charged?
Partey left Arsenal when his contract expired on June 30, 2025. He then signed for Spanish club Villarreal on a free transfer in August 2025 after he had been charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, and granted conditional bail.
He has made 32 appearances for Villarreal, including returning to London to play against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League in September.
Partey started five of Ghana’s six World Cup qualifying matches in 2025, spending one on the bench. Two of the games were before his first charges were announced, while the other three came in September and October.
He has also started friendlies against Austria and Germany in March of this year, as well as their final World Cup warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff on June 2.