Former Arsenal player joins World Cup squad despite rape charges
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who serves as the team’s vice-captain, is part of the country’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup despite the former Arsenal star facing multiple rape charges in the United Kingdom.The 32-year-old, who now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, is due to stand trial — potentially in 2027 — at Southwark Crown Court in London on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to The Athletic.He has denied all allegations.Partey was first charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women, alleged to have ouccurred between 2021 and 2022 while he was at Arsenal, per the report.He reportedly was later charged in February 2026 with two further rape counts relating to a fourth woman, following a separate investigation into alleged non-recent offenses dating back to 2020.Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.His lawyer previously said he continues to deny the allegations, has cooperated fully with police and that there would be no further comment while proceedings are ongoing, per The Athletic.Despite the legal case, Partey has remained active in club football, leaving Arsenal at the end of his contract in June 2025 before joining Villarreal on a free transfer later that summer.He has since made more than 30 appearances for the Spanish side this season, including a return to London in the Champions League against Arsenal’s biggest rival Tottenham Hotspur.Partey has also remained involved at international level, featuring regularly for Ghana during World Cup qualifying and recent friendlies, and playing a key role in their midfield setup in recent years.Ghana is preparing for group-stage matches against England, Croatia and Panama, with fixtures set to be played across the United States and Canada.The squad will be based in Rhode Island during the tournament.His inclusion is likely to draw scrutiny given the seriousness of the allegations and the fact he is still ...