Thomas Partey Was Not Sacked – GFA

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has finally confirmed Thomas Partey did not travel with the Black Stars for Morocco friendly scheduled to take place on Tuesday June 8 but has debunked reports the Arsenal midfielder was sacked from the team’s camp.

Earlier reports on Monday indicated that Partey had been sacked from the Black Stars camp for indiscipline.

But the GFA explained that the player was excused from duty due to personal issues after meeting with head coach Charles Akonnor.

Partey will however, rejoin the Black Stars for the second friendly match against Ivory Coast at the Cape Coast.

“Thomas travelled to Cape Coast on Thursday to meet Coach Charles Akonnor over some personal issues. After the meeting which lasted for about an hour, the coach excused him from the trip to Morocco – and asked him to report to camp for the second game against Ivory Coast.

“As the 1st Deputy Captain of the Black Stars, Thomas later joined his colleagues in training to show solidarity and support before leaving for Accra. The Arsenal midfielder will therefore team up with the rest of the squad on Thursday when the team returns from Morocco,” the FA’s statement said on Monday June 7.

The GFA also addressed reports related to attacker Tarique Fosu who is said to have been dismissed by Akonnor for reporting late to camp.

“Tariqe reported to camp Friday evening, after the sides training session in Cape Coast. Coach Akonnor engaged him briefly and told him that reporting late has scuppered his chances of travelling with the team to Morocco. The Brentford winger will also join the team on Thursday for the game against Ivory Coast.”

The Black Stars arrived in Morocco on Monday without midfielder Mubarak Wakaso and winger Frank Acheampong.

According to the GFA, Wakaso couldn’t travel due due to COVID-19 complications while Acheampong is bereaved.

Black Stars will face Morocco on Tuesday at 7pm.