During the pre-match handshake ceremony at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L fixture between England and Ghana, television viewers tuned in to BBC noticed something unusual — the live feed cut away at the exact moment Thomas Partey was due to appear on screen.

Partey had already been at the centre of attention heading into the match. He missed Ghana's opening World Cup game after being denied a visa to enter Canada, with his application reportedly stating that he faced no criminal charges. That claim complicated his entry, but he was subsequently cleared to feature against England.

Did England players shake Partey's hand?

Speculation was rife in the build-up about whether England players would refuse to shake Partey's hand. The FA was reportedly weighing whether to take an official position on the matter, though ultimately no directive was issued.

It has since emerged that several England players, among them Harry Kane, did shake Partey's hand before kick-off. However, BBC viewers were unable to witness that moment — not because the broadcaster made an editorial decision to hide it, but for a different reason entirely.

The world feed, explained

Major tournament coverage, including at the FIFA World Cup 2026, is managed through a centralised broadcast system operated by Host Broadcast Services (HBS). Around 45 cameras are deployed inside the stadium, and the resulting feed is distributed to broadcasters such as the BBC with minimal scope for on-the-fly editing or censorship.

While the BBC retains control over its pre-match coverage, half-time analysis, and commentary, it has little influence over which live images appear during the game itself. The evidence strongly suggests the BBC did not make the call to avoid Partey on screen.

Instead, an HBS match director — stationed in the stands — determines which moments are captured and included in the feed in real time. It appears that director chose not to focus the cameras on Partey during the handshake sequence.

Partey's legal situation

The Villarreal midfielder is scheduled to stand trial in 2027 on charges of rape and sexual assault, with five counts currently against him. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.