Ghana’s midfielder, Thomas Partey, will be absent from their World Cup match against Panama due to his denied visa application to enter Canada, as confirmed by FIFA. The decision was made by the Canadian government, and FIFA clarified they are not involved in host countries’ immigration processes.
Ghana expressed disappointment in Canada’s refusal, calling it “high-handed and extremely unfair,” and requested a reversal of the decision. The country emphasized the importance of fairness and proportionality in such cases and stated they are engaging with Canadian authorities diplomatically.
Partey, aged 32 and currently playing for Villarreal after his time at Arsenal, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in the UK, which he has denied. Each individual seeking entry to Canada undergoes a personalized assessment based on available information and relevant laws, according to a spokesperson from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
IRCC highlighted that individuals can be deemed inadmissible to Canada even without a foreign conviction if there are reasonable grounds to believe they committed an act warranting inadmissibility. Canada affirmed its commitment to hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup while prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens.
Partey remains with the Ghana squad in Boston and will be eligible for their upcoming Group L matches against England and Croatia in the cities of Boston and Philadelphia, respectively. Ghana’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, previously defended his decision to include Partey in the World Cup squad, citing the presumption of innocence.
The article also features links to related stories about the FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto and Hamilton, showcasing the enthusiasm surrounding the event. Canadian soccer’s historic moment of hosting the World Cup match in Toronto was highlighted, with fans sharing their messages for the Canadian team’s upcoming matches.