Carlos Queiroz Stands by Thomas Partey’s Inclusion
Carlos Queiroz, head coach of the Ghana national football team, stood by his decision to include Thomas Partey in the squad for an upcoming friendly against Wales, set to be played on Tuesday. Partey, a midfielder signed with Villarreal after his tenure at Arsenal, is facing serious legal issues, including seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, stemming from incidents that reportedly occurred in London between 2020 and 2022. While Partey maintains his innocence in the matter, he is scheduled to appear in court again in November, with the possibility that the trial could be postponed until 2027.
Queiroz’s Perspective on Media Coverage
As Queiroz finalized his World Cup roster, trimming it down to 26 from an initial 28 players, he recognized the unique circumstance surrounding Partey. The 32-year-old could be playing in the UK for the first time since his last court hearing in September. Queiroz emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence, stating,
“Until the court makes a decision, that presumption is on the side of all court cases.”
He further criticized how media coverage and social media can presuppose guilt, denying individuals the chance to defend themselves publicly.
Ghana’s World Cup Preparations
Ghana, now preparing for crucial World Cup matches, also boasts talent from clubs such as Manchester City and Leicester City. Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Jordan Ayew are among the players who are expected to play key roles in their World Cup group, which includes notable teams like England.
Historic Match Against Wales
In a historic moment for both teams, the match against Wales marks the 150th anniversary of Welsh football, as well as the first time the Dragons face an African team on home soil. Queiroz expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete against Wales, noting the importance of the match in Ghana’s preparations ahead of the World Cup. He remarked,
“It is an honour for us to be here and to play against the national team of Wales. This game is important because it is part of our World Cup preparation. Everything has gone according to our goals, and we are ready for takeoff.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Ghana will kick off their participation in Group L against Panama in Toronto on June 17, before later facing Croatia. The complete squad reflects a mix of experience and emerging talent, with goalkeepers and defenders complemented by a robust midfield and a dynamic forward line, illustrating Queiroz’s strategic vision for the team’s upcoming challenges.
