{"id":37161,"date":"2026-06-25T06:33:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T06:33:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/25\/thomas-partey-breaks-his-silence-after-world-cup-visa-scandal-arsenal-stars-send-messages\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T06:33:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T06:33:34","slug":"thomas-partey-breaks-his-silence-after-world-cup-visa-scandal-arsenal-stars-send-messages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/25\/thomas-partey-breaks-his-silence-after-world-cup-visa-scandal-arsenal-stars-send-messages\/","title":{"rendered":"Thomas Partey breaks his silence after World Cup visa scandal, Arsenal stars send messages"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Thomas Partey, who missed Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama, is expected to join Boston in the World Cup against England on Tuesday.<\/h2>\n
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June 22, 2026, 16:55<\/span>Updated June 22, 2026 17:17<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Thomas Partey speaks ahead of England vs Ghana match<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
Thomas Partey has insisted that Ghana’s absence from their World Cup opener against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK is “just part of football”.<\/p>\n
The former Arsenal midfielder was refused entry to Canada after he falsely told authorities when filling out his visa application that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime.<\/p>\n
He appealed the ruling, but in an Ottawa courtroom last week, Judge Roger Lafreniere refused to overturn the immigration authorities’ decision.<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022 and is scheduled to go on trial next year.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the match against England, Partey said of his absence from Toronto: \u201cWell, I think that’s part of football, and in football things happen that you can’t control.<\/p>\n
“For me right now, I feel like I’m ready to play. All right, I feel good. We’ve been training well and everyone’s ready. We’re here to do our best and compete with the rest of the teams. I think preparation is the key.”<\/p>\n
England players are expected to shake hands with Partey, who had no problems obtaining a US visa.<\/p>\n
Declan Rice will face his former Gunners teammates in the center of the park and Partey, who is expected to leave Villarreal on a free transfer this summer, is relishing the challenge.<\/p>\n
He said of playing against Rice: “I know it’s not going to be easy, they’re very good players and I’m happy to play against him again.”<\/p>\n
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Thomas Partey will play with Ghana against England (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
“I’m really happy to see them (old Arsenal team-mates). I hope they give their best, give themselves the opportunity to play against the best teams, compete and enjoy the game.”<\/p>\n
When asked if his experience in English football would help Ghana’s comeback challenge, Partey added: \u201cWell, I don\u2019t think I\u2019m the only one who played in Ghana.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are some players who are still playing there and I think it’s a matter of the team and collective play.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, we have to work on the way we play and try to compete with them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the emotion in camp has been really good since the first game and everyone is here to have fun.<\/p>\n
“We’re going to go to this game. We know we’re going to have to play against the best players. So we’re here to compete against the best players and learn.”<\/p>\n
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The whole country is watching with bated breath as England take on their next rivals Ghana in the 2026 World Cup. We’re offering a \u00a33 free bet valid on all football matches, including the big matches, in your favorite paper on Tuesday 23 June 2026!<\/p>\n
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