Ghana's government has strongly criticized Canada's decision to deny Thomas Partey a visa for the World Cup match against Panama, calling it 'high-handed and extremely unfair.' The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder, now playing for Villarreal, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in Britain, which he denies.
Official Protest Filed
Ghana's foreign ministry stated that the visa refusal appears to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the UK. The ministry has sent an official note of protest requesting a review of the decision. 'The government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada,' the statement read.
While acknowledging Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana argued that relying on unproven charges without a judicial determination raises 'fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality.'
Partey's Availability
Partey remains with the Ghana squad in Boston and is eligible to play in subsequent Group L matches against England and Croatia in the US. Canada's immigration spokesperson emphasized that hosting major events does not change immigration laws, and each applicant is assessed individually based on facts and law.
FIFA's Stance
FIFA confirmed it is not involved in host countries' immigration processes. This incident adds to immigration-related controversies at the World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the US, and Mexico. The US recently denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was scheduled to officiate at the tournament.
Artan, upon returning to Somalia, called the visa decision a matter of 'fate' and encouraged Somalis not to lose heart over the setback.
