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sports22h ago
Former Arsenal player joins World Cup squad despite rape charges
Nypost.com and 1 more
- Ghana includes Thomas Partey in its 26-man World Cup squad despite ongoing rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, signaling a controversial but decisive selection.
- Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London; he has pleaded not guilty and his trial could be delayed into 2027.
- Partey departed Arsenal at contract end in 2025 and joined Villarreal on a free transfer, continuing his club career abroad.
- Ghana will base in Providence, Rhode Island during the World Cup, with group-stage matches set in Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia.
- Partey has featured for Villarreal this season with 31 appearances, underscoring his ongoing club involvement despite the charges.
- Ghana's group includes Panama, England, and Croatia, highlighting a challenging route in Group L at the World Cup.
- Partey's bail conditions require him to notify authorities of any travel abroad, reflecting ongoing legal oversight during the tournament period.
- Partey played for Arsenal through 2024-25, making 35 Premier League appearances in his final season at the Emirates.
- Ghana's squad features a mix of European-based players and Ghana-based domestic players across multiple clubs, including Villarreal's Partey and several European clubs.
- The wider context indicates ongoing media coverage and scrutiny around Ghana's World Cup setup and the inclusion of a high-profile player with legal challenges.
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