Thomas Partey’s participation in the FIFA World Cup has received backing from a senior United States government official, who insists the Ghana midfielder remains innocent until proven guilty despite facing serious charges in the United Kingdom.
Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, disclosed that American authorities were fully aware of Partey’s legal situation before allowing him entry into the United States for the tournament.
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Giuliani said, “We were certainly aware of the case.”
He added, “The stance on our end is that, as heinous as these charges are, he’s innocent until proven guilty.”
The comments provide the clearest explanation yet for why the Black Stars vice-captain was permitted to enter the United States after reportedly being denied entry into Canada ahead of Ghana’s opening World Cup fixture against Panama.
Partey, who denies all allegations against him, is facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges in London, with a trial expected next year.
The midfielder missed Ghana’s opening Group L match in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused him entry into the country. An appeal by his legal team in Canada’s Federal Court was unsuccessful, forcing him to sit out the Black Stars’ 1-0 victory over Panama.
However, United States authorities adopted a different position, allowing the 33-year-old to travel and participate in the tournament.
The contrasting decisions by Canada and the United States have generated significant debate and become one of the major off-field talking points of the competition.
Partey’s availability is expected to boost Ghana ahead of their crucial Group L encounter against England in Foxborough, with the experienced midfielder likely to return to the starting lineup.
Addressing reporters before the match, Partey said, “Things happen outside football that you cannot control but for me now I feel OK, and I am ready to play.”
While attention will be focused on his performance against England, discussions surrounding his involvement in the World Cup continue to attract international interest.
For now, the position of the United States remains unchanged, with officials maintaining that Partey is eligible to compete until a court determines otherwise.
