Thomas Partey Ruled Out of Ghana’s World Cup Opener After Canada Denies Entry

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities denied him entry into the country.

Partey, 32, is currently based with Ghana’s squad in Boston, United States, but will be unable to travel to Canada after his visa application was rejected by the Canadian government.

In a statement, FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal CF, would not be available for Ghana’s first game of the tournament.

FIFA emphasized that it has no role in the immigration decisions of host nations and that visa approvals and admissions are determined solely by the relevant government authorities.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault involving allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year and has not been convicted of any offence.

Canadian immigration officials declined to comment on the specific case but stated that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada applies immigration laws consistently to all applicants, regardless of nationality, public profile or involvement in international sporting events.

Officials added that immigration officers assess admissibility under Canadian law and may refuse entry if they determine an individual could pose a security risk.

The Canadian government’s immigration guidelines state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain crimes may be found inadmissible to the country.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said American authorities were aware of the pending legal proceedings involving Partey. However, because he has not been convicted of a crime, he was granted a visa and admitted into the United States.

The agency noted that entry decisions are made on a case-by-case basis using available law enforcement, immigration and national security information, while questions regarding Canada’s decision should be directed to Canadian authorities.

Partey’s absence represents a significant setback for Ghana ahead of its World Cup campaign, with the experienced midfielder now set to miss the team’s crucial opening fixture against Panama while legal and immigration issues continue to unfold.