Ghana’s government has expressed strong disapproval of Canada’s decision to reject a visa for midfielder Thomas Partey, barring him from playing in Ghana’s opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama on June 17.
The Ghanaian Foreign Ministry condemned Canada’s action as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” stating that it has lodged a formal protest with Canadian authorities and requested a review of the decision. Canadian officials cited ongoing legal proceedings involving Partey in the UK as the basis for their visa denial.
Partey, a 32-year-old footballer currently with Spanish club Villarreal and previously associated with Arsenal, has refuted allegations of rape and sexual assault leveled against him in Britain. Ghana’s government argued that denying entry based on unproven charges, without a judicial ruling, raises significant concerns about fairness and proportionality.
FIFA has confirmed that Partey will be unable to join Ghana’s team in Canada for the match against Panama due to the visa refusal. However, he remains part of the squad in the US and will be available for the team’s subsequent group-stage games against England and Croatia.
The visa issue is one of several entry-related challenges affecting participants at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, with other individuals encountering similar visa complications. Ghana is awaiting Canada’s response to their diplomatic protest while preparing for their tournament opener without one of their key players.
