Villarreal CF has officially confirmed the acquisition of Ghanaian international Thomas Partey, bringing the accomplished midfielder back to La Liga after a successful five-year stint in the Premier League with Arsenal.

## Details of the Transfer

Partey arrives at the Estadio de la Cerámica as a free agent following the conclusion of his contract with the Gunners in June 2025. The 32-year-old completed his medical examinations last week and has committed to a two-year agreement, structured as an initial one-year deal with a club option for a further season.

## A Return to Familiar Ground

The move marks Partey’s highly anticipated return to Spanish football, where he previously established himself as a standout performer during his time at Atlético Madrid. His impressive displays in Diego Simeone’s system earned him a high-profile transfer to Arsenal in 2020. 

Now, the chance to compete in the UEFA Champions League once again proved decisive in his decision to join Villarreal, who have secured a spot in Europe’s premier club competition for the upcoming campaign.

## Choosing Villarreal Amid Strong Interest

Despite attracting attention from multiple European and Saudi Pro League clubs, Partey ultimately opted for Villarreal, where his vast experience and leadership qualities will be crucial as the Yellow Submarine look to challenge on both domestic and continental fronts in the 2025/26 season.

## Official Communique 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">El Villarreal CF y <a href="https://twitter.com/Thomaspartey22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Thomaspartey22</a> han alcanzado un acuerdo para que el futbolista ghanés se vincule al conjunto groguet de cara a la presente temporada 2025-26. <br><br>El jugador se sumará a la dinámica del equipo a partir de mañana en la Ciudad Deportiva. <a href="https://t.co/q7XVRHUXvR">pic.twitter.com/q7XVRHUXvR</a></p>&mdash; Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCF/status/1953479423774056625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Partey’s Arsenal Legacy

During his tenure in North London, Partey made 167 appearances, netting nine goals. His final season with the club was his most productive, featuring in 52 matches across all competitions while contributing four goals and three assists—his highest tally since joining the English side.

## A New Chapter in Spain

Negotiations over a contract extension with Arsenal ultimately stalled, opening the door for Partey’s return to Spain. Now, the seasoned midfielder is set to embark on an exciting new phase of his illustrious career under Villarreal’s ambitious project.

Thomas Partey joins Villarreal CF on a free transfer after Arsenal exit

The General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo, has firmly refuted circulating claims that the GHC18 million secured through the association’s latest media rights agreement with Adesa Production Limited (APL) originated from government funding.

Announced last week in Accra ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, the landmark broadcast partnership is set to inject GHC1 million into each top-tier club before the campaign begins. 

The comprehensive package also promises enhanced television coverage, including the live telecast of three matches every week and a dedicated studio analysis show.

Addressing rumours that the funds were sourced from the state, Harrison Addo stressed that no direct financial contribution was made by the government.

“The government has not taken its money, and it is being given to the Football Association. The government’s role in this partnership was only to create an enabling environment, and we are grateful for the support from the government,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

He acknowledged that while the government played a key facilitative role, its contribution was non-monetary. 

Notably, he highlighted the support of prominent government officials such as Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, and Minister of Youth and Sports Kofi Adams.

“The Chief of Staff, Majority Leader and the Sports Minister all said that they are in support of the partnership, so the enabling environment for other companies who will also want to come and support the processes and the benefits are there.

“The government has not given us physical cash to invest in the league, but we are hoping that this partnership works well because it is in the interest of the country if it does work well, but the money is not from the government,” he added.

The 2025/26 Ghana Premier League is officially set to commence in mid-September, with clubs, fans, and stakeholders anticipating a revitalised broadcast experience and increased league visibility.

GFA denies government involvement in GHC18 million APL broadcast deal

The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually by France Football, is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual honour in world football. Reserved for the player deemed the best over the course of a season, the award represents excellence, influence, and integrity both on and off the pitch.

While the gleaming golden trophy is instantly recognisable, the process behind selecting the winner often raises questions. Despite efforts to make the voting system more transparent, many fans and observers remain unclear about the specific criteria and methodology. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how the Ballon d'Or is decided, who votes, and what exactly voters are instructed to consider.

## How the Ballon d'Or Is Decided: The Criteria

![Ballon d'or](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f21ad08b-ddcd-4f09-9113-11717fbeb558/1754570903373-6o2149mh3t2.webp)

France Football has outlined three main pillars that guide the voting process:

### Individual Performance and Impact

Voters are expected to assess how influential and consistent a player was during the season, especially in crucial moments.

### Team Achievements

A player’s contribution to their team’s success—both at club and international level—is a significant factor.

### Conduct and Sportsmanship

The award also places value on professionalism, fair play, and how a player represents the game beyond just their stats.

Notably, voters are instructed not to consider:

Career achievements outside the specified season

Past Ballon d'Or wins

Overall global fame or reputation

This ensures that each edition of the Ballon d'Or strictly recognises performance within a defined timeframe, focusing on recent impact rather than legacy.

## New Timeframe for Consideration

In a major shift from its original format, the Ballon d'Or is no longer based on the traditional calendar year. Instead, France Football now aligns the evaluation period with the European football season.

For the 2024/25 Ballon d'Or, the timeframe runs from August 2024—marking the start of major domestic leagues—through to the end of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This adjustment allows for a more coherent assessment of a player’s seasonal contribution.

## Who Is Eligible to Win the Ballon d'Or?

The award has evolved significantly since its inception in 1956:

Initially, only European players playing for European clubs were eligible.

In 1995, it expanded to include non-European players based in Europe.

Since 2007, all professional players worldwide have become eligible, regardless of nationality or league.

Despite the global eligibility, most winners continue to come from European-based clubs, given the high visibility and competitive standards of leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.

## Who Votes for the Ballon d'Or?

The selection process is divided into two key phases:

### 1. Nominee Shortlist Creation

France Football editors, in collaboration with L’Équipe and sometimes former players or previous winners, compile a 30-player shortlist based on the outlined criteria.

### 2. Voting by International Journalists

A jury of journalists from around the world then votes on the winner. Previously, voters came from all 180 FIFA member nations. However, since the reforms, only journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries are eligible to vote.

Each journalist ranks their top 10 players, with points assigned as follows:

1st place – 15 points

2nd place – 12 points

3rd place – 10 points

4th to 10th place – descending from 8 to 1 point

The player with the highest total score across all ballots wins the Ballon d'Or.

In the event of a tie:

The player with more first-place votes prevails.

If still tied, second-place votes are compared, and so on.

To ensure credibility and trust in the process, all individual votes are published shortly after the winner is announced.

The Ballon d'Or remains football's ultimate individual accolade, a symbol of unmatched brilliance over the course of a season. 

How the ballon d'Or winner is really chosen: Voting, criteria & eligibility

Arsenal suffered their second consecutive pre-season loss as Spanish side Villarreal edged a 3-2 win at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a strong response when the Gunners face Athletic Club in their final pre-season fixture on Saturday, following back-to-back defeats: first a 1-0 loss to Tottenham, and now a disappointing result against Villarreal.

Former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pépé opened the scoring against his old club, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box just moments after Pape Gueye struck the post from long range.

Etta Eyong doubled Villarreal’s lead in the 33rd minute, volleying in from close range after David Raya failed to hold onto a shot from Gerard Moreno.

Arsenal pulled one back before the break when new signing Christian Nørgaard headed home at the back post from a Gabriel Martinelli corner.

However, Villarreal quickly restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half. A swift counter-attack from an Arsenal set-piece saw Santi Comesaña release Arnaut Danjuma, who raced clear and fired past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard converted from the penalty spot in the 76th minute after Max Dowman was brought down by Pau Navarro, but the Gunners couldn’t find an equaliser in the closing stages.

## The Bigger Picture 

![https://a.espncdn.com/photo/2025/0806/r1528436_1296x518_5-2.jpg](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f21ad08b-ddcd-4f09-9113-11717fbeb558/1754508676096-5n66ol7976q.jpg)

The Arsenal side will now turn their focus to their final tune-up match before the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off.

The Gunner will be aiming to bounce back stronger and challenge for the title under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal fall to second pre-season defeat as Villarreal claim victory at the Emirates

Ghanaian midfielder Abu Francis has officially signed a four-year contract with French Ligue 1 side Toulouse, completing a move from Belgian powerhouse Club Brugge.

The 24-year-old joins the French outfit after a solid spell with Cercle Brugge, where he made over 60 league appearances, scoring once and providing seven assists.

Francis attracted widespread interest during the transfer window. 

Turkish clubs İstanbul Başakşehir FK and Trabzonspor were among the frontrunners for his signature, while English side Burnley and Italian clubs Torino and Genoa also monitored his situation. 

However, Toulouse emerged as the preferred destination and sealed the deal.

"I'm very happy to be here,” Abu told the club's media.

“I can't wait to start this new challenge and join this wonderful family. I'm also looking forward to discovering the Pink City and meeting all the club's incredible supporters.”

A product of Ghana’s prestigious Right to Dream Academy, Abu began his professional career with Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjaelland before moving to Belgium in 2022.

Internationally, Francis has been capped five times by the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, making his debut in March 2024. 


## The Bigger Picture

![Francis Abu](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f21ad08b-ddcd-4f09-9113-11717fbeb558/1754481295718-b5t0i8rpvmq.jpeg)

The move to Toulouse offers Abu Francis a fresh opportunity to compete at a higher level and establish himself as a regular in Ligue 1. 

With Ghana set to face Mali and Chad in September 2025 as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the midfielder will be keen to deliver consistent performances in France to earn another national team call-up.



Abu Francis signs 4-year deal with Toulouse from Cercle Brugge

The Ghana national football team, the Black Stars, are entering a decisive phase in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with two pivotal matches scheduled against Chad and Mali in September 2025. 

As confirmed by FIFA, these fixtures will be critical in determining Ghana’s position in Group I as the race for qualification intensifies.

Led by head coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars are aiming to return to the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

## Upcoming Fixtures

### Matchday 7: Chad vs Ghana

Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Venue: Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, Chad

Kick-off: 13:00 GMT

### Matchday 8: Ghana vs Mali

Date: Monday, September 8, 2025

Venue: Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana

Kick-off: 19:00 GMT

![Black Stars World Cup qualifiers ](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f21ad08b-ddcd-4f09-9113-11717fbeb558/1754476590758-hnsp967i5nt.jpg)

## Group I Standings 

After six matches, Ghana sits atop Group I with 15 points, having recorded five wins and one loss. 

The Black Stars enjoy a three-point lead over second-placed Comoros and are five points clear of third-placed Madagascar. 

This commanding position puts Ghana in pole position to qualify, but they must finish the job in their final two group matches.

## Black Stars' Road to September: Match-by-Match Recap

The Black Stars of Ghana have had a strong campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, securing five wins and suffering one loss across their six matches in Group I. 

Their journey began in November 2023 with a hard-fought 1-0 home victory against Madagascar, setting a positive tone. 

However, they faced a setback in their second match, falling 1-0 to Comoros away, marking their only defeat in the qualifiers. Ghana bounced back in June 2024, edging Mali 2-1 in a thrilling encounter and then securing a 2-1 away win against the Central African Republic, showcasing their resilience on the road. 

In October 2024, the Black Stars delivered an entertaining 4-3 home victory against Chad, followed by a disciplined 1-0 away win against Madagascar, further solidifying their position at the top of the group with 15 points. 

These results highlight Ghana’s attacking flair and ability to grind out crucial wins as they approach their final two matches against Chad and Mali in September 2025.

These results have not only underlined Ghana’s ambition but also their consistency, especially away from home. With 15 points secured from a possible 18, the Black Stars are well placed but will need to maintain focus in their final fixtures to guarantee qualification.

Black Stars face Chad and Mali in key World Cup qualifiers

Former Arsenal and Ghanaian international midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, where he faces multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.

The 32-year-old footballer appeared in court on Tuesday, following formal charges filed by the UK’s Metropolitan Police, which include five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. 

Partey has denied all allegations.

The charges are the result of a three-year investigation into alleged incidents involving three separate women. 

According to authorities, the charges consist of two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts of rape involving a second woman, and one count of sexual assault involving a third.

The alleged offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, a period when Partey was actively playing for Arsenal Football Club in the English Premier League.

![Thomas Partey](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f21ad08b-ddcd-4f09-9113-11717fbeb558/1754389027398-vaajum44tp.jpg)


## Bail Conditions Imposed

As per reports, his bail terms include:

- No contact with any of the women involved in the case

- Mandatory notification to police of any change in address

- Police must be informed before any international travel.

The identities of the complainants remain protected under UK law, in line with legal provisions that safeguard alleged victims of sexual crimes.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that the charges were brought after a comprehensive review of evidence collected during the investigation, which began in February 2022 following the initial complaint of rape.

Partey was first arrested in July 2022, but this week’s court appearance marks the first formal response to the charges since his arrest.

Legal proceedings are ongoing, and a future court date is expected to be scheduled.

Thomas Partey granted conditional bail after facing multiple rape charges in court

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly set to sign with La Liga side Villarreal as a free agent, following the expiration of his contract with Arsenal in June 2025.

The 32-year-old has completed a medical and is expected to pen a two-year deal that will keep him at Villarreal until 2027. 

A key factor influencing Partey's decision is the opportunity to continue competing in the UEFA Champions League, which Villarreal qualified for.

Partey's departure from Arsenal comes after five seasons at the Emirates, where he made 167 appearances and scored nine goals across all competitions. 

Signed from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for €50 million, Partey played in both central midfield and right-back roles under manager Mikel Arteta. 

He featured 52 times for the Gunners during the 2024–25 campaign.

However, Partey's move comes as he faces serious legal challenges in the UK. 

On July 4, 2025, the midfielder was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations stemming from an investigation that began in February 2022. 

The charges relate to incidents involving three women, though their identities remain protected under UK law.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the charges followed a detailed examination of a "comprehensive file of evidence." 

Partey, who was first arrested in July 2022, has denied all allegations.

![Thomas Partey](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f21ad08b-ddcd-4f09-9113-11717fbeb558/1754289849234-pvallbk0r5.jpg)

His legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, stated in July that Partey "denies all the charges against him and welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name." 

Despite being under investigation, Partey continued playing for Arsenal throughout the legal process and remained active on the pitch while on bail.

Partey is scheduled to appear before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.

Prior to finalising his move to Villarreal, Partey was reportedly in discussions to extend his stay at Arsenal, but both parties were unable to agree on new contract terms.

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