The Ghana Football Association has brushed aside reports suggesting some England players could refuse to shake hands with Thomas Partey before Ghana's game against England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the issue, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the association remains fully focused on its World Cup objectives and will not be distracted by what he described as external "mind games."

According to Asante Twum, any concerns from the English Football Association would be directed to FIFA rather than the GFA.

"Member association consents do not travel from one member association to another. Member association consents go to the tournament organizer or the competition owner. In that sense, I am talking about FIFA," he explained.

The GFA spokesman revealed that the issue has dominated interactions with sections of the English media in recent weeks, particularly ahead of Ghana's World Cup clash with Wales.

Thomas Partey innocent until proven otherwise – Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

"I sit here every morning and I wake up to tons of emails from the English media. Tons of them. I've lost count," he said.

"In the lead up to the game against Wales, I received 17 emails within three days on this issue."

Despite the persistent questions, Asante Twum stressed that the GFA's position on Partey has not changed.

"We have absolute confidence in what our player has told us. We have supported him right from the very beginning. He knows that we have been with him toe to toe, shoulder to shoulder."

He added that the association continues to trust the information provided by the midfielder's legal team.

"We believe in what his legal team has told us. He has our support and so it's not something we are focusing on."

Asante Twum further suggested that the renewed attention from the English media could be intended to unsettle the Black Stars camp ahead of crucial World Cup fixtures.

"These noises that come from outside sometimes aim to destabilise you, aim to take your mind off the game. It could be part of the mind games and we are not interested in these kinds of mind games."

"We are focused on a mandate to deliver. We want to get the best out of our players. Thomas is one of our key players. We believe in him. We strongly trust him. We know that he will give us a good job on the field."

He concluded by insisting that the Black Stars will channel their energy into representing the nation rather than responding to outside opinions.

"We want to prepare as best as we can. We want to step on the pitch, fight for the badge, fight for the people of Ghana and be proud after that. That's our focus and that's our singular objective."

PAH/JE

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