Ghana has strongly criticized Canada's decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it an 'extremely unfair decision.'
Partey's Visa Denied for World Cup Match
Partey, who left Arsenal last summer as a free agent and joined Spanish side Villarreal, arrived in the United States this week as Ghana prepared for their World Cup campaign at their training base in Boston. The Black Stars are set to play their first group-stage game in Toronto against Panama, but Partey will miss the match after being denied a Canadian visa.
Legal Background
In July, London's Metropolitan Police charged Partey with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. In February, the 32-year-old was charged with two additional counts of rape. Partey is awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey has been granted a US visa but will be unable to travel to Toronto and will remain at Ghana's base camp in Boston.
Ghana's Diplomatic Response
Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing 'strong reservations' over the decision. 'The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application for Mr. Thomas Teye Partey,' the statement read.
'We are informed that the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) arrived at this outcome on grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.'
The government reaffirmed the 'fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence' and criticized Canada's reliance on unproven charges. Ghana is pursuing diplomatic engagements and may seek a judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada.
Coach Queiroz's Stance
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to select Partey. 'If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about?' Queiroz said. 'This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.'
Upcoming Matches
Ghana is also scheduled to play England in Boston on June 23 and conclude their group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Partey's availability for those matches remains uncertain due to the visa restrictions.
