Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada for World Cup

Canadian Authorities Deny Visa to Ghana Midfielder Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup Opener

A Canadian visa application for Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The decision was made due to multiple charges of rape that Partey faces in the United Kingdom. As a result, FIFA has informed Partey that he will not be able to participate in his team’s World Cup opener against Panama on Wednesday.

FIFA stated that it is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries and that the decision to grant or deny visas rests with the host government. The IRCC confirmed that every individual seeking to enter Canada is assessed individually based on available facts and applicable law.

Partey was scheduled to travel from his team’s base camp in Rhode Island to Toronto for the match, but will now be unable to do so due to the denied visa. However, he is expected to be able to participate in Ghana’s next match against England on June 23, as well as their final group stage game against Croatia on June 27.

Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal in Spain, has pleaded not guilty to the allegations dating back to his time with Arsenal from 2020-25. A similar case involving Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is also pending trial in Paris.

Source: Al Jazeera