News Focus
- Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey cannot enter Canada for the World Cup match against Panama
- Canadian officials refused his visa because he faces serious criminal charges next year
- The 32-year-old footballer denies all allegations of sexual assault and rape
- FIFA says host countries alone decide who can enter for tournaments
- Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz earlier defended his decision to select Partey for the squad
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s first World Cup game. Canadian authorities have stopped him from entering the country.
The 32-year-old was set to play against Panama in Toronto. However, officials refused his visa application. He currently plays for Villarreal in Spain. He moved there from Arsenal.
Partey faces a court trial next year. Police have charged him with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Four women made these complaints between 2020 and 2022. The midfielder says he is not guilty of any crimes.
FIFA released a statement on the matter. World football’s governing body explained that they do not control visa decisions. “The host government decides who enters the country,” they said. “We are not involved in immigration rules.”
Canadian law normally blocks people with criminal convictions. Partey has not received a conviction yet. He has only faced charges.
Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz spoke about the player before the tournament. The Portuguese manager said he had no problem selecting Partey. “If he is here with me, that is my decision,” Queiroz stated. “We must wait for the legal process to finish. We cannot judge now.”
Ghana trained in Boston before travelling to Toronto. Partey had to stay behind. He cannot join his teammates for the match.