The FA is reportedly considering whether England players should follow the traditional pre-match handshake routine with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey when the two nations meet at the 2026 World Cup.
According to reports, the governing body is reviewing its position ahead of the Group Stage fixture between Ghana and England, scheduled to take place in Boston on 23 June.
The issue concerns Partey’s inclusion in Ghana’s 26-man World Cup squad despite ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. The midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal after departing Arsenal at the end of his contract, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The case remains before the courts, and no verdict has been reached.
The Times reported that the FA is assessing whether specific advice should be provided to England’s players regarding the customary handshake line that typically takes place before kick-off. A decision on the matter is expected before the highly anticipated encounter.
The situation has placed the English governing body in a difficult position as it seeks to navigate the traditions of international football while acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings.
Despite the charges, Partey remains available for selection and continues to represent Ghana. The 31-year-old maintains his innocence.
Reports indicate that he was initially charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Prosecutors later added two additional rape charges earlier this year. It has also been reported that his trial, originally expected to begin in November, could now be postponed until early 2027.
The midfielder’s inclusion in Ghana’s squad has attracted significant attention in the build-up to the tournament. However, Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has strongly defended his decision to select the player.
Speaking before Ghana’s warm-up match against Wales, the Portuguese coach rejected suggestions that he should make a judgement on the matter.
“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,” Queiroz said.
“This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.”
Queiroz emphasised that the legal process should be allowed to proceed without interference and argued that conclusions should not be reached before the courts have completed their work.
While questions surrounding Partey’s participation continue to dominate discussion, the Ghana coach has sought to keep attention on his team’s World Cup preparations.
Queiroz said Ghana’s passion for football played a major role in his decision to take charge of the national side and expressed optimism about the team’s prospects at the tournament.
“We’re ready to take off and start to fly straight to the World Cup,” he said.
The coach also reiterated his belief that the legal process should be allowed to unfold naturally.
“Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth.”
As preparations continue for the World Cup, the focus is likely to remain on both the sporting significance of the England-Ghana fixture and the wider questions surrounding Partey’s involvement in the tournament. The FA is expected to clarify its position before the two teams meet in Boston later this month.
