Thomas Partey, Ghana’s midfielder who is facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges, remained at the center of controversy on Tuesday as Ghana faced England in Boston at the 2026 World Cup. Before kickoff, a video circulating on social media appeared to show England defender Jed Spence avoiding a handshake with Partey during the pre-match lineups, while other England players were seen shaking hands or exchanging fist bumps with him.
Partey had already missed Ghana’s opening match against Panama after Canadian authorities denied him entry to the country because of a visa declaration stating he was not facing criminal charges. He was able to enter the United States and take part in Ghana’s pre-tournament training camp, and he started against England. In the stands, England supporters booed him whenever his name was mentioned or he touched the ball.
Partey is currently charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, and in February two more rape counts were added. He denies all allegations. Ghana continues to back him professionally, but his participation has become one of the tournament’s most discussed issues. So far, neither Spence nor the English Football Association has publicly commented on the apparent handshake incident, and it is still unclear whether the contact was deliberately avoided or whether the clip was misleading.
