England FA Weighs Handshake Decision Ahead of World Cup Clash with Ghana’s Thomas Partey

The Football Association (FA) is reportedly reviewing its position regarding England’s traditional pre-match handshake with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the two nations’ World Cup group-stage encounter.

England and Ghana are scheduled to meet on June 23 at Boston Stadium, the tournament name for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group phase.

According to reports from The Times, FA officials are expected to hold discussions over how England players should approach the customary pre-match handshake should Partey feature for Ghana. The ritual, which sees starting players exchange handshakes before kick-off, has become a standard part of international football.

Partey, who was included in Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the tournament, could play a key role for the Black Stars despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder is facing multiple charges, including several counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. His trial, initially scheduled for later this year, could reportedly be pushed back until early 2027.

In a statement issued earlier this year, Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, reiterated that the Ghana international denies all charges and has cooperated fully with authorities throughout the investigation.

The issue places England in a sensitive position, particularly as several members of Thomas Tuchel’s squad, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, previously played alongside Partey during his five-year spell at Arsenal.

Despite the ongoing legal case, Partey remains eligible for selection and has continued to represent Ghana. He recently featured in the Black Stars’ 1-1 friendly draw against Wales, playing the first half before being substituted.

Under the conditions of his bail, Partey is required to notify authorities of any overseas travel plans and must also comply with United States entry requirements during the tournament.

Ghana will be based in Rhode Island during the World Cup and are also scheduled to face Panama and Croatia in the group stage.

With attention now focused on the upcoming England-Ghana showdown, the FA’s deliberations over the pre-match protocol are expected to attract significant scrutiny in the build-up to the fixture.