Why Thomas Partey is allowed to play against England for Ghana at the World Cup

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is allowed to play against England this week despite ongoing legal issues in the UK and being denied entry to Canada.

The former Arsenal player pleaded not guilty to raping two women and sexually assaulting another, with another two counts now added to the case.

Partey is expected to line-up against EnglandGetty

He was denied entry to Canada for Ghana‘s opener against Panama, but he can play this match against England, live on talkSPORT.

Why is Thomas Partey allowed to play against England?

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey received a visa to enter the United States.

He applied for this through the Ghanaian embassy in London, and the authorities in the UK have not restricted his movements, with his trial set for 2027.

Being accused and put on trial for criminal activity doesn’t automatically stop people receiving a visa to travel to the United States.

Each case is investigated and treated separately, with multiple factors considered.

In the end, they decided to let Partey in, but Canada didn’t.

Why didn’t Partey get into Canada?

Partey’s application to get into Canada falsely claimed that he’d never been charged with criminal convictions in another country.

The Ghanaian international is due to stand trial in June 2027 after appearing in Southwark Court in September and pleading not guilty.

Partey is expected to be in the starting XI as Ghana take on EnglandGetty

His 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.”

As a result, the Canadian government blocked the Villarreal man from entering the country for Ghana’s game against Panama.

Partey lodged an appeal that was heard by a panel in Ottawa, and that was also rejected.

Once the decision was confirmed, FIFA said: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.

“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.

“As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

Will England shake Partey’s hand?

Given the seriousness of the charges Partey is set to stand trial for, there has been a discussion over if the England players will shake Partey’s hand or not.

The Times reported recently that the FA are weighing up options around it.

Partey was teammates with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka at Arsenal when the alleged charges took place.

But as of yet, there has been no official stance from the FA on Partey.

Dan Burn was asked about it during one of the pre-match press conferences but wasn’t allowed to answer them by the press officer.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is also set to stand trial for rape and was heavily booed during their 1-0 Group C win over Scotland on Friday.