Thomas Partey: Former Black Stars Player Yaw Preko Appeals to Ghanaians to Back Embattled Star
- Ghanaians have been urged to rally behind Thomas Partey as he faces ongoing legal challenges in the United Kingdom
- The 32-year-old midfielder is entangled in a serious case that could greatly impact both his career and personal life
- He has been named in Otto Addo’s 24-man squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali
Former Black Stars winger Yaw 'Rush' Preko has urged Ghanaians to rally behind Thomas Partey as the embattled midfielder faces a turbulent period in his career.
Despite being entangled in a high-profile court case in the United Kingdom, Partey has been named in Otto Addo’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Source: Getty Images
Yaw Preko backs Partey amid legal battle
Preko believes that now more than ever, the 32-year-old needs the unwavering support of the nation and his teammates.
"Thomas Partey needs the support of the entire country," he told Asempa FM, as quoted by Ghanasoccernet.
"I know he is a strong person, but for now, he is innocent until proven guilty.
"We must support him, and we must not make him feel that he is not being used, and afterwards, he will not have the backing of the team and the country.
"Partey is a key player for the Black Stars, and in times like this, we need to back him."
Partey’s troubles off the pitch began earlier this month when he was formally charged and appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
He faces five counts of non-consensual acts involving two women and one charge of sexual assault against a third.
The alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, during his spell at Arsenal.
The charges surfaced just days after Partey’s contract with the North London club expired at the end of June.
His next hearing has been set for September 2, only two days before Ghana’s opening qualifier against Chad.
While his case unfolds in court, Partey has found a fresh start in Spain. Villarreal CF offered him a chance to continue at the highest level, and he has already featured for the Yellow Submarine.
Source: Getty Images
With 53 minutes under his belt across two games, the midfielder did enough to convince Otto Addo to include him in his 24-man squad for September’s doubleheader.
Why Otto Addo still needs Partey amid his legal case
On the pitch, Partey remains one of Ghana’s most influential figures. His statistics highlight his importance to the national team.
In 12 appearances during the ongoing qualifying campaign, he has found the net nine times, including a brace against Madagascar in March, and has provided two assists, according to Transfermarkt.
Ghana will commence September's round of fixtures against Chad on Thursday, September 4, before returning to Accra to face Mali four days later.
The Black Stars currently top Group I with 15 points after six matches. They sit three points clear of Comoros and five ahead of Madagascar, as they chase a ticket to their fifth World Cup.
What Otto Addo told GFA about Partey
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Otto Addo confirmed Thomas Partey’s inclusion for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
According to GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, Partey’s availability was personally verified with the head coach before the squad announcement was made public.
Source: YEN.com.gh
