Former Ghana international Yaw Preko has appealed to Ghanaians to rally behind Thomas Partey as the midfielder prepares to return to national duty for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Partey, who now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, is facing legal proceedings in the UK over multiple rape charges but was still named in Otto Addo’s 24-man squad for September’s qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Preko stressed the importance of national support for the Black Stars vice-captain despite his ongoing case.
“Thomas Partey needs the support of the entire country,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, where he was charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third. The alleged offences date back to 2021 and 2022 during his stint with Arsenal. His contract with the London club expired in June, after which he joined Villarreal.
Ghana will open their September campaign away to Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on Thursday, September 4, before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.
The Black Stars currently top Group I with 15 points from six matches, three ahead of Comoros and five clear of Madagascar, as they target a fifth World Cup appearance. The squad is expected to assemble in Accra on Monday, September 1.
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