New Delhi, June 14: The Ghanaian government has strongly criticized Canada’s decision to deny a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey. This ruling prevents him from participating in Ghana’s opening match against Panama on June 17 in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the decision as unjust and has officially protested to Canadian authorities, requesting a review of the case.
According to the ministry, Canadian officials based their decision on an ongoing criminal case involving Partey in the United Kingdom. The 32-year-old footballer currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal and has previously played for Arsenal. Partey has denied allegations of rape and sexual violence made against him in the UK.
In a statement, the Ghanaian government expressed concern, stating that denying entry based on unresolved allegations is biased and troubling.
The statement read, “While respecting Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana believes that relying on unproven allegations without a judicial ruling raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality.”
FIFA has confirmed that Partey will not be able to travel from Ghana’s team base in Boston to Canada for the Group L match against Panama due to the rejection of his visa application.
Despite missing the initial match, Partey remains with the Ghana squad in the United States and is available for the team’s remaining group-stage matches. Ghana will face England in the Boston area before playing Croatia in Philadelphia.
This visa issue adds to a growing list of entry-related problems affecting participants in the current FIFA World Cup. Previously, Somali referee Omar Artan, Iraqi international players Ayman Hussein and Talal Salah, Haitian Woodensky Pierre, and Swiss forward Breel Embolo have also encountered visa difficulties related to World Cup travel arrangements.
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