The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is reportedly planning to position Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey as the first player to exchange handshakes with England players before their upcoming international friendly, sources close to the GFA have confirmed. The move is a direct response to reports that the English FA (EFA) is instructing its players to avoid shaking hands with Partey due to ongoing rape case allegations against him.
According to insiders, the GFA views this as a psychological tactic – a “mind game” – intended to unsettle the Black Stars. The decision, if implemented, would force England players to either publicly snub Partey or break their own FA’s directive. The GFA’s stance is firm: if any England player skips Partey’s handshake, they must skip all Ghanaian players.
Background: The Allegations Against Partey
Thomas Partey, 33, has faced serious legal allegations since 2022, when he was arrested in London on suspicion of rape. The case has not yet gone to trial, and Partey has consistently denied the charges through his legal team. He remains eligible to play for Ghana and has continued his club career with Arsenal, where he is currently under contract.
The English FA has not publicly confirmed any instruction to boycott handshakes, but sources suggest the EFA is concerned about the optics of having its players exchange pleasantries with a player facing such allegations, especially given the high-profile nature of the fixture.
The GFA’s Strategy: “Skip One, Skip All”
The GFA has reportedly decided to place Partey first in the handshake line. This means England’s captain and players would have to decide:
· Shake Partey’s hand (defying the EFA’s rumored instruction)
· Refuse Partey’s handshake (sparking a diplomatic and media firestorm)
· Refuse all handshakes (avoiding singling out Partey, but breaking pre-match tradition)
The GFA believes that forcing England’s hand – literally – could serve as a psychological weapon. “If England are trying to intimidate our players by isolating Partey, we will flip the script,” a GFA source told reporters. “They will have to embarrass themselves in front of the world, not us.”
Previous Precedent: Handshake Boycotts in Football
Handshake boycotts are rare but not unprecedented in football. In 2018, Liverpool players refused to shake hands with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling following a controversial transfer. In 2022, Brentford players boycotted handshakes with Leicester City’s James Maddison after a social media dispute. However, a handshake boycott linked to criminal allegations is unprecedented at the international level.
Reactions and Criticism
Former Ghana internationals have expressed mixed views. Some support the GFA’s hardline stance, calling it “protecting the team’s unity.” Others, including ex-Black Stars defender John Paintsil, warned that such tactics could backfire. “We should focus on the game, not handshakes,” Paintsil said. “This distracts the players.”
Legal experts have also weighed in. UK-based sports lawyer Dr. Kofi Amponsah noted: “If England players refuse to shake Partey’s hand, it could be seen as an implied admission of guilt. That opens the door for defamation claims. The EFA is in a very difficult position.”
Match Details and Context
The match between Ghana and England is scheduled for June 14, 2026, as part of pre-World Cup friendlies. England are one of the tournament favorites, while Ghana are looking to build momentum after narrowly missing automatic qualification. The game will be played at Wembley Stadium in London, adding to the pressure on Partey, who plays his club football in the same city.
What Happens Next?
The GFA is expected to finalize its handshake lineup in the coming days. The English FA has not issued a formal statement, but internal discussions are ongoing. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey continues to train with the Black Stars in Accra, and team officials insist he is fully focused on the match.
GFA Official Statement (Paraphrased from sources):
“We will not allow any player to be singled out. The handshake is a symbol of respect. If they disrespect one of us, they disrespect all of us. Let the world see who is acting with integrity.”
Final Analysis
The GFA’s decision is a calculated risk. If successful, it could expose English FA hypocrisy and unite the Ghanaian team. If it fails, it could turn a friendly into a diplomatic incident. Either way, the handshake at Wembley promises to be as tense as the match itself.
Match Preview: Ghana vs. England
· Date: June 14, 2026
· Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
· Kickoff: 20:00 BST
· Broadcast: Live on BBC Sport and SuperSport (Ghana)
· Context: Final pre-World Cup friendly for both nations
