Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey is at the center of a controversy surrounding allegations of sexual violence.

What happened?

The allegations against Partey have sparked a debate on how football should handle such cases. Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault in July 2025, and two further counts of rape in February 2026. He denies any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty to all charges ahead of his trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, expected to take place in 2027.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana's recent form has been disappointing, with a record of 1W-0D-4L in their last five matches, including a 2-1 loss to Germany on 2026-03-30. The team's performance on the field is being overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Partey. | Date | Opponent | Result | | --- | --- | --- | | 2026-03-30 | Germany | 2-1 loss |

What comes next?

Ghana's manager Carlos Queiroz has defended his decision to select Partey, citing the presumption of innocence. However, the controversy is likely to continue, with many questioning how football should handle allegations of sexual violence against players. As the World Cup progresses, Ghana's matches will be closely watched, not just for their performance on the field but also for how they handle the situation surrounding Partey.