2026 FIFA World Cup; Yaw Preko urges support for Thomas Partey ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Former Ghana international Yaw Preko has appealed to Ghanaians to rally behind Thomas Partey as the Black Stars prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali next month.

Despite facing rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, the 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder has been included in Otto Addo’s 24-man squad for the crucial double-header.

Speaking to Asempa FM, Preko stressed the importance of unity and support for the Black Stars vice-captain.

“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 we must not make him feel that he is not being used, and afterwards, he will not have the backing of the team and the country.

Partey is a key player for the Black Stars and in times like this, we need to back him.”

The Black Stars deputy captain registered two goals in the last game against Madagascar in the 3-0 win which catapulted the team to the top of Group I with 15 points in the African qualifiers.

Partey appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal.

The charges came just days after he left the North London club following the expiry of his contract in June.

The Black Stars will begin their September fixtures away to 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.