2026 World Cup: Carlos Queiroz defends decision to include Thomas Partey in Black Stars amid rape allegation charges
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has defended his decision to include Thomas Partey in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the midfielder facing rape and sexual assault charges in England.
Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to allegations made by four different women. The midfielder has pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to maintain his innocence.
Addressing journalists on Monday ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium, Queiroz said the decision to select Partey was based on the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“It's a simple and straightforward answer. As far as I know, in England, Portugal, and everywhere else, the presumption of innocence is afforded to the accused until a court reaches a decision," he said.
“It's a simple and straightforward answer. As far as I know, in England, Portugal, and everywhere else, the presumption of innocence is afforded to the accused until a court reaches a decision," Queiroz said.
The veteran coach also expressed concern over what he described as premature judgment in the public space, particularly on social media.
“Unfortunately, in today's society and on social media, people are often judged and condemned before they even have the opportunity to defend themselves.
“Let's allow the process to take its natural course. One day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth," the 73 year old added.
Partey is set to feature at his second FIFA World Cup with Ghana after previously representing the Black Stars at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
His inclusion has emerged as one of the most closely scrutinised decisions in Queiroz’s squad selection as Ghana intensify preparations for the tournament in North America.
The Black Stars, making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. They will wrap up their group-stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27.