Ghana’s government has strongly criticized Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country ahead of the team’s opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama. The decision means Partey will not be available for Ghana’s first game in Toronto on Wednesday.
Government Response
According to the Ghana government, Canadian authorities refused the former Arsenal midfielder’s visa application because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. The government has called the move “high-handed and extremely unfair” and has already started discussions with Canadian officials in hopes of changing the decision.
Legal Background
Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial next year. At this time, there has been no conviction in the case.
In an official statement, the Ghana government said it is pursuing active diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter. The statement said: “The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction.” It also added: “The government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice.”
Current Status
While the situation continues, Thomas Partey remains at Ghana’s training base in Boston. The midfielder has been training with the squad as officials work to find a solution.
The Ghana government said it will “explore and pursue all available remedies to ensure full and fair consideration of all factual issues.”
Canadian Immigration Rules
Canada’s immigration rules state that visitors may be refused entry if they have committed or been convicted of a crime. Information published on the Canadian government website says: “If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from US Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Partey was allowed into the United States. The official said: “The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey. However, at this time he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa.”
Coach's Defense
Before the tournament began, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include Partey in the squad. The coach said he had no concerns about selecting the experienced midfielder.
Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 and later signed with Villarreal in August after leaving the Premier League club at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Future Matches
Although he will miss the match against Panama in Toronto, there is still a chance he could feature later in the tournament. Ghana’s next two group-stage games are against England in Foxborough on June 23 and Croatia on June 27, both in the United States. The Ghana Football Association has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
