- The minister confirmed that Ghana had submitted a diplomatic note requesting Canadian authorities to reconsider the decision
- The visa setback means Partey will be unavailable for Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama
The Ghanaian government has lodged a formal complaint with Canada after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a visa ahead of the country’s opening match at the FIFA World Cup.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the dispute emerged as Ghana prepares to face Panama on Wednesday at Toronto’s BMO Field, a fixture Partey will now miss due to his inability to enter Canada.
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Partey, one of the Black Stars’ most experienced players, remains with the team in Boston, United States, after Canadian authorities rejected his travel application.
Speaking on the issue, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the government had officially protested the decision, describing it as unfair and excessive.
According to Ablakwa, Partey should not be barred from entering Canada because the criminal allegations against him are still before the courts and have not resulted in a conviction.
The minister confirmed that Ghana had submitted a diplomatic note requesting Canadian authorities to reconsider the decision.
Partey, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal and previously featured for Arsenal, is facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom. The allegations involve four women and relate to incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. He has denied all the charges.
Although legal proceedings are ongoing, the trial is not expected to begin until next year, allowing the midfielder to remain eligible for international duty.
Ghana argued that while Canada has the right to enforce its immigration policies, relying on unresolved allegations raises concerns about fairness and due process.
The visa setback means Partey will be unavailable for Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama, depriving the team of one of its most influential midfielders.
However, he is expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining Group L fixtures against England and Croatia, both of which will be played in the United States.
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