FIFA WC 2026: Ghana seeks review of Canada's visa refusal for midfielder Partey
Accra, June 13
Ghana's government has strongly criticised Canada's decision to refuse a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, a move that will prevent the player from featuring in the country's opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama on June 17.
The Ghanaian Foreign Ministry described the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair" and confirmed that it had formally protested to Canadian authorities while seeking a review of the ruling.
According to the Ministry, Canadian officials based their decision on ongoing criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom. The 32-year-old footballer, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal and previously represented Arsenal, has denied allegations of rape and sexual assault brought against him in Britain.
In a statement, Ghana's government argued that denying entry on the basis of charges that have not yet been adjudicated raises concerns about fairness and proportionality.
"While respecting Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality," the statement said.
FIFA confirmed that Partey will not be able to travel from Ghana's team base in Boston to Canada for the Group L encounter against Panama after his visa application was rejected by Canadian authorities.
Despite missing the opening fixture, Partey remains with the Ghana squad in the United States and is available for the team's remaining group-stage matches. Ghana will face England in the Boston area before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia.
The visa setback adds to a growing list of entry-related issues affecting participants at the ongoing FIFA WC. Earlier, Somali referee Omar Artan, Iraq internationals Aymen Hussein and Talal Salah, Haiti's Woodensky Pierre, and Switzerland forward Breel Embolo have encountered visa complications linked to World Cup travel arrangements.
Ghana are now awaiting Canada's response to their diplomatic protest as the team prepares for its tournament opener without one of its most experienced players.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Look, I understand Canada's right to control borders, but this feels like legal vigilantism. If Partey hasn't been convicted, why is he being punished? We've seen similar issues with Indian athletes facing visa delays for trivial reasons. The principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' is universal - not just for Western citizens. Hope Ghana's protest succeeds. 🙏
I'm conflicted. On one hand, Canada has every right to decide who enters. But on the other, using ongoing criminal proceedings - where no verdict has been reached - as sole grounds for refusal is problematic. What if India did this to a Pakistani cricketer? The hypocrisy would be deafening. Ghana's diplomatic protest is the right move.
Western countries always talk about 'rules-based order' but conveniently ignore fairness when it suits them. Partey hasn't been convicted of anything! This is pure discrimination against an African footballer. Watch how quickly they'd bend rules for a European player with similar issues. Shame on Canada. 🇨🇦👎
Actually, I see Canada's point. If Partey faces serious allegations, it's reasonable for any country to be cautious. India also denies visas to people with criminal backgrounds. But the key issue is timing - using pending cases is a grey area. Ghana's protest is justified, but let's not make this into a 'West vs Rest' narrative unnecessarily. 🤷♂️
This is why I dislike FIFA World Cups in the West - always some visa drama for
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