Thomas Partey Granted US Entry to Face England Despite Pending Rape Charges

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted a United States visa to participate in World Cup matches, including a fixture against England, despite facing seven counts of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. The 33-year-old was denied Canadian entry for Ghana's opening match against Panama after omitting criminal charges from his visa application, though he remains eligible to play stateside under the principle of presumption of innocence.

Visa Complications and Legal Status

Partey's World Cup participation has been complicated by international immigration procedures. The midfielder was unable to travel with Ghana to Toronto for the team's opening fixture because Canadian authorities rejected his visa application and subsequent appeal. The denial centered on Partey's failure to disclose that he is the subject of multiple criminal charges involving sexual violence in the United Kingdom. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair."

The United States approved Partey's entry based on fundamental legal principles. According to the White House World Cup task force, officials determined that allowing him to compete was appropriate because individuals retain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court proceedings. This distinction between Canadian and American visa determinations highlights the different standards applied across borders regarding charged individuals.

Charges and Trial Timeline

Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025, with allegations relating to three separate women and incidents occurring between 2021 and 2022. In February 2026, prosecutors added two further rape counts against another woman for offenses dating to 2020. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed these charges after a new investigation. Partey has pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations through his legal representation. His trial at Southwark Crown Court is not scheduled to begin until June 2027.

The midfielder continued his playing career throughout these proceedings. After his Arsenal contract expired three days before the charges became public, Partey signed with Villarreal in Spain's top division and competed in Champions League matches. Ghana's head coach Carlos Queiroz has maintained that the player should be treated as innocent unless proven guilty in court.

World Cup Participation and Player Dynamics

Partey made his first World Cup appearance when Ghana faced England on Tuesday in Boston. The match carried particular significance as it featured former Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka representing England against Partey. The Football Association left the decision regarding pre-match handshakes between players to individual discretion, recognizing the sensitive nature of the circumstances.