White House breaks silence on Thomas Partey as US official backs Ghana star’s World Cup participation

The comments are the clearest indication yet of why Partey was allowed to enter the United States for the tournament after being denied entry into neighbouring Canada ahead of Ghana’s opening match against Panama.

Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, revealed American authorities were fully aware of Partey’s legal situation before granting him entry.

“We were certainly aware of the case,” Giuliani said.

“The stance on our end is that, as heinous as these charges are, he’s innocent until proven guilty.”

The remarks are likely to reignite debate surrounding the former Arsenal midfielder’s presence at the tournament.

Partey is facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges in London, all of which he denies. A trial is scheduled for next year.

The Ghana vice-captain was unable to feature in the Black Stars’ opening World Cup match after Canadian authorities refused him entry into the country, forcing him to miss the 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto.

The decision triggered a diplomatic and legal battle, with Partey’s representatives launching a last-minute appeal in Canada’s Federal Court. The challenge was ultimately unsuccessful, leaving Ghana without one of their most experienced players for the opening fixture.

The United States, however, took a different approach.

Giuliani’s comments suggest American officials assessed the situation and concluded that, in the absence of a conviction, Partey should not be prevented from entering the country to participate in the tournament.

The contrasting decisions by Canada and the United States have become one of the biggest off-field stories of the World Cup.

For Ghana, Partey’s availability is a major boost ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Group L clash against England in Foxborough.

The 33-year-old is expected to return directly to Carlos Queiroz’s starting lineup after missing the opening match. His experience and leadership could prove crucial as the Black Stars attempt to secure qualification for the knockout stages.

Partey himself has largely avoided discussing the legal case throughout the tournament, instead focusing on football.

Ahead of the England match, he told reporters: “Things happen outside football that you cannot control but for me now I feel OK, and I am ready to play.”

The midfielder is also expected to renew acquaintances with former Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka when Ghana face England in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.

But while attention on the pitch will centre on Partey’s performance, Giuliani’s intervention ensures the wider debate surrounding his participation in the World Cup is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

For now, the United States government’s position appears clear: despite the seriousness of the allegations, Partey remains eligible to compete until proven guilty in court.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet