Former Ghana international Yaw Preko has appealed to Ghanaians to rally behind Thomas Partey as the midfielder prepares for the Black Stars’ crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali next month.
Partey, who recently joined Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, was named in Otto Addo’s 24-man squad despite facing legal proceedings in the UK over rape allegations. The 32-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third, with the incidents alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Preko stressed the importance of standing by the midfielder in difficult times.
“Thomas Partey needs the support of the entire country,” Preko said. “I know he is a strong person, but for now, he is innocent until proven guilty. We must support him and not make him feel abandoned by the team or the nation. Partey is a key player for the Black Stars and in times like this, we need to back him.”
Partey’s charges came just four days after his Arsenal contract expired at the end of June, paving the way for his move to Villarreal.
The Black Stars will open their September fixtures with an away clash against 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.
Ghana currently tops Group I with 15 points after six games, three ahead of Comoros and five clear of Madagascar, as they push toward securing a fifth FIFA World Cup appearance. Otto Addo’s men are expected to open camp in Accra on Monday, September 1, ahead of the qualifiers.
