Ghana Government Slams Canada's Visa Denial for Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup
Published June 13, 2026
Ghana's government has voiced strong disapproval over Canada's decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa, preventing him from joining the national team for their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Panama.
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The Ghanaian government has publicly condemned Canada's refusal to grant a visa to prominent midfielder Thomas Partey, labeling the action as "extremely unfair." This denial means Partey will be unable to participate in Ghana's inaugural match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June 17 in Toronto against Panama.
According to reports, the Canadian authorities' decision is connected to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom involving the 32-year-old player. Partey, who previously played for Arsenal FC and is currently with Villarreal CF, is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault in the UK, claims which he has consistently denied. Ghana's foreign ministry released a statement on Saturday, expressing "strong reservations" regarding the matter.
While acknowledging Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration policies, the Ghanaian government criticized the visa refusal as "high-handed." They argued that basing such a significant decision on unproven allegations, without any formal court ruling, raises serious questions about fairness and proportionality. This diplomatic disagreement highlights the complexities that can arise when international sporting events intersect with legal and immigration policies.