England will not shake hands with one Ghanaian player

It is about the game against Ghana and their player Thomas Partey (32), who is on trial for serious allegations of rape, writes GiveMeSport.

Let us remind you that Group L includes Croatia and Panama, which means that Zlatko Dalić’s team will also play against Partey.

A dilemma for the English Football Association

Shaking hands with players before matches is a common part of protocol at major competitions, including the World Cup.

However, according to The Times, the FA are reportedly considering how to approach the Thomas Partey situation ahead of the game against Ghana on June 23. The FA refused to officially comment on whether they would consult with the players on the issue.

The Times’ chief sports correspondent Matt Lawton points out that the FA will be “well aware” that two of Arsenal’s four players in the national team, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, are Partey’s former team-mates. Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze arrived at Arsenal after Partey left the club on June 30 last year when his contract expired.

Partey, who was included in Ghana’s 26-man World Cup squad, was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

In February of this year, two more charges of rape were brought against the former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for the Spanish Villarreal. The 32-year-old pleaded not guilty to any of the charges.

(Vijesti.ba)