FA confirms no pre-match protocol discussion as Spence-Partey handshake controversy unfolds
The Football Association has stated it did not brief players on pre-match handshakes ahead of the World Cup group stage encounter in Boston, following circulating footage of Djed Spence and Thomas Partey.
The Football Association has confirmed it did not discuss pre-match handshake protocols with players prior to England’s World Cup group stage match against Ghana in Boston. The statement follows the circulation of social media footage appearing to show England defender Djed Spence not shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before the fixture.
Partey, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal, was booed by England supporters throughout the match in Boston Stadium. The jeers began when his name was announced over the public address system and continued during his touches of the ball. The 33-year-old midfielder had previously stated he felt ready to play against England, marking his first appearance at the tournament after missing Ghana’s opening 1-0 victory against Panama in Toronto.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of significant administrative and legal complexity surrounding Partey’s participation. The Ghanaian was initially denied entry into Canada for the tournament opener due to a visa refusal linked to pending legal charges in the United Kingdom. Partey had informed officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime at that time.
Partey faces seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to stand trial next year. Despite the pending case, US Customs and Border Protection confirmed last week that Partey was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa, noting that he has not been convicted of a crime.
FIFA has previously confirmed that host governments determine admission for players. While the initial visa refusal prevented Partey from travelling to Canada, he was subsequently granted entry to the United States. The FA’s clarification regarding the handshake suggests no official instruction was given to players concerning interactions with Partey ahead of the Boston match.
