Queiroz invokes presumption of innocence to justify Partey's Ghana selection

Carlos Queiroz has defended his decision to include Thomas Partey in Ghana’s squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Wales in Cardiff, arguing that the presumption of innocence must apply until a court reaches a verdict. Partey, 32, who now plays for Villarreal, faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, relating to alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. He denies all charges, and a trial has been set for November this year, though it could be delayed until 2027.

“As far as I know, in England, in Portugal, whatever, we are living in this world — until the court makes a decision, the presumption of innocence is on the side of all court cases,” said Queiroz, 73. “But today, and this is not only about Thomas, very unfortunately the way social media and the media sometimes act with full and total impunity, we are condemned even before we have the opportunity to defend. So let the events run this normal course. Let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean, we’re going to find the truth.”

Partey’s inclusion in the provisional 28-man squad means the midfielder could play in the United Kingdom for the first time since his court appearance last September.

The match in Cardiff marks the 150th anniversary of the Football Association of Wales and is the first time Wales have faced African opposition at home. For Ghana, it serves as preparation for the World Cup, where they are drawn in the same group as England and are scheduled to face Thomas Tuchel’s side in Boston on June 23.

Queiroz, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant at Manchester United who coached Iran at the last World Cup, was appointed Ghana head coach in April. He framed Tuesday’s fixture as a meaningful test ahead of the tournament.

“It is an honour for us to be here and to play against the national team of Wales,” he said. “For us, it is important because it is part of our World Cup preparation. Everything has gone according to our goals and we are ready for take-off.”

Ghana’s squad also includes Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, Coventry striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Leicester attacker Jordan Ayew.