The FA is considering how England’s squad should approach the pre-match handshake with former Arsenal player Thomas Partey when they face Ghana at the World Cup later this month.
The two nations meet in Boston on June 23 for their second group stage fixture, with Villarreal midfielder included in Ghana’s 26-man squad.
He faces trial in the UK on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, charges to which he has entered not guilty pleas.
England’s governing body will determine how to manage the situation surrounding the customary greeting between both teams before kick-off, according to The Times (via GB News).
Partey was initially charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, before prosecutors added two further rape charges in February.
The 31-year-old has denied all allegations against him.
The Ghanaian international departed the Gunners when his contract expired last year, joining Spanish side Villarreal.
Also Read: We’re Solidly Behind Partey –Ghana FA
His trial at Southwark Crown Court in London had originally been scheduled for November but could now be postponed until early 2027.
As part of his bail conditions, Partey must inform authorities before travelling overseas, while US federal law requires him to declare this information when entering the country.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to select Partey when speaking ahead of a pre-tournament friendly against Wales in Cardiff.
He said: “If the player is here with me, my answer is clear.
“I don’t have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about?
“This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.
“Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth.”
