The Football Association of England (FA) is facing one of its most difficult decisions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as it considers how to handle the pre-match handshake issue when England plays against Ghana on June 23 in Boston. The debate has arisen due to the presence of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing serious criminal charges but has not yet been convicted in court.
Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal, has been charged with several offenses related to rape and sexual assault. However, the player has denied all the allegations against him and continues to maintain his innocence. His case is expected to be heard in court in 2027, meaning that for now he is legally presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
On Ghana’s side, head coach Carlos Queiroz has firmly stood by his decision to include Partey in the squad. Queiroz has stated that it is not his responsibility to pass judgment before the court has done its work, emphasizing that everyone deserves the right to defend themselves until an official legal ruling is made.
Meanwhile, England’s FA appears to be carefully weighing the potential impact of any decision it makes. Beyond the legal aspects, there are also moral considerations and the message that any action taken might send to the public. Some believe the matter requires sensitivity toward those who claim to be victims, while others stress the importance of respecting the principles of law and justice.
The weight of this debate stems from the fact that pre-match handshakes have long been a tradition and symbol of respect in football. However, in this context, any action taken could be interpreted in different ways by fans, social justice activists, and football stakeholders around the world.
So far, no official decision has been announced by the FA regarding the matter. Discussions are ongoing within the organization as the football world waits to see what step will be taken ahead of the international match. What is clear for now is that this issue goes beyond the 90 minutes of football; it concerns the balance between law, morality, and the image of the sport before millions of people worldwide.
Source: The Times
