English FA Leaves Thomas Partey Handshake Decision to England Players Ahead of Ghana Clash
The English Football Association (FA) has confirmed that it will not prevent England players from shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Group L encounter in Boston.
According to reports, the FA has chosen not to issue any official guidance or directive concerning the traditional pre-match handshakes, instead leaving the decision entirely in the hands of individual players. As a result, the customary pre-match greetings are expected to proceed as normal before kick-off.
The situation has drawn attention due to Partey’s ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom, where he is due to stand trial over multiple sexual assault charges. The Ghana international has consistently maintained his innocence, and under English law, he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The legal proceedings previously affected his availability for Ghana’s opening World Cup fixture, as he was unable to enter Canada. However, he was cleared to travel to the United States and is available for the Black Stars’ crucial showdown against England.
With the FA opting against intervention, England’s players will be free to make their own personal choices regarding whether to greet, speak with, or exchange shirts with Partey before or after the match.
The decision ensures that attention remains focused on what promises to be a fiercely contested World Cup clash between England and Ghana, with both nations aiming to strengthen their positions in Group L as the tournament enters a decisive stage.
Richard Achore is a versatile Ghanaian sports journalist, media administrator, and officer with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Founder of the online sports portal Ghsportsnews.com and Ghana Talk News