- Ghana's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has defended his decision to include midfielder Thomas Partey in the World Cup squad despite Partey awaiting trial in London on multiple rape charges.
- Queiroz cited the presumption of innocence for Partey, who plays for La Liga side Villarreal and has pleaded not guilty, while also criticising the rapid judgments often made on social media.
- Partey, a 32-year-old midfielder who previously played for Arsenal and now represents Villarreal, is due to stand trial in November or later on allegations dating from his tenure with Arsenal between 2020 and 2025.
- Queiroz, who is set to coach in his fifth consecutive World Cup, emphasised that his focus is on keeping "poison or dust far away from the four lines" of the pitch, suggesting there are more pressing global issues.
- Ghana are set to play their World Cup group games against Panama, England, and Croatia, with their campaign beginning on 17 June in Toronto.
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