Players of the England national football team will be free to decide whether to shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of their FIFA World Cup Group L clash on Tuesday, according to reports from the United Kingdom.
The English Football Association (FA) has opted not to issue any formal directive regarding the customary pre-match handshake, leaving the decision entirely in the hands of individual players. The move comes amid ongoing legal issues involving Partey, who is facing criminal charges in England but has consistently denied all allegations.
The development has drawn attention ahead of a highly anticipated encounter between England and Ghana, with the Black Stars boosted by Partey’s expected return to the squad. The 33-year-old missed Ghana’s opening 1-0 victory over Panama after being denied entry into Canada due to visa complications.
According to reports, immigration authorities rejected an appeal following a hearing in which it emerged that details relating to the charges he faces in the United Kingdom had not been disclosed in his visa application. Despite diplomatic efforts by Ghanaian officials to resolve the issue, Partey was unable to participate in the opening fixture.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is understood to have maintained his stance of focusing strictly on football matters, avoiding involvement in legal or political controversies. There have reportedly been no formal discussions within the England camp regarding Partey’s situation ahead of the match.
The issue could prove particularly sensitive for several England players, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who previously played alongside Partey during his time at Arsenal. Their prior relationship with the midfielder adds another layer of complexity to the pre-match protocol.
Partey is due to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court in London on multiple charges, with proceedings expected to begin next year. The allegations date back to 2022, when he was first arrested, and the case has attracted significant attention both in the United Kingdom and Ghana.
Despite the off-field controversy, both teams are expected to shift their focus to the crucial Group L encounter. England opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, while Ghana secured a dramatic win against Panama courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from Caleb Yirenkyi.
With qualification to the knockout stages at stake, Tuesday’s clash is likely to be pivotal in determining the group standings. Ghana will look to draw on Partey’s experience and leadership, while England aim to build on their strong start in the tournament.
Although the pre-match handshake issue may dominate headlines in the build-up, attention is expected to return to the pitch once the match begins, as two competitive sides battle for a place in the next round of the World Cup.
