By Kwame Bediako
The English FA is reportedly weighing whether England players should skip the traditional pre-match handshake with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their World Cup meeting in Boston on June 23.
The discussion comes amid the legal case against Partey in the UK, which has placed the usual matchday formalities under intense scrutiny.
Partey, who now plays for Villarreal, is facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, and has denied all charges in court. He has been named in Ghana’s final World Cup squad despite the ongoing proceedings.
According to reports, the FA has not made a final decision, but internal talks are focused on whether players should receive guidance on how to handle the handshake ritual.
The issue has created a difficult balance between sporting tradition, legal due process and public perception.
The Group L clash will be the second match for both sides at the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama before facing England and then Croatia.
Beyond the pitch, the situation has added another layer of tension to Ghana’s build-up to the tournament. The Black Stars, who reached the quarter-finals in 2010, are aiming to make a strong impact in their fifth World Cup appearance.
