Partey trial delayed to 2027 as Canada bars him from World Cup match over rape charges

Thomas Partey is facing eight criminal charges — seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women — with his trial at Southwark Crown Court now set to begin on June 8, 2027, after a judge agreed to postpone proceedings that had originally been scheduled for November 2026.

The Crown Prosecution Service first charged the Ghana international, then at Arsenal, with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025. Two further rape charges were added in February 2026 following additional investigation. Partey, now at Villarreal, has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He remains on bail under conditions that prohibit him from contacting the alleged victims. The alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 2020 and 2022.

Partey’s legal situation has already had direct consequences at the 2026 World Cup. Canadian authorities rejected his visa application ahead of Ghana’s group-stage opener against Panama on June 17, meaning he was unable to travel from the team’s base camp in Boston. FIFA confirmed the refusal, stating it plays no role in host-country immigration decisions. Partey was, however, permitted to enter the United States to participate in other Ghana fixtures.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement: “Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws. Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”

FIFA added: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

With the trial now scheduled for mid-2027, the case is expected to remain a backdrop to Partey’s club and international career for the foreseeable future.