News Focus
- Ghana’s government has formally objected to Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey entry for the World Cup.
- The midfielder will miss the opening match against Panama in Toronto after officials refused his visa application.
- Partey faces serious criminal charges in the UK but has not been convicted and pleads not guilty.
- The player remains with the squad in Boston and is cleared to face England and Croatia in the United States.
- He joined Villarreal in August following his release from Arsenal at the end of last season.
The government of Ghana has asked Canadian authorities to reconsider their decision to stop footballer Thomas Partey from entering the country. Officials in Accra described the visa ban as harsh and extremely unfair. The move prevents the 32-year-old from playing in Ghana’s opening World Cup clash against Panama in Toronto this Wednesday.
The former Arsenal midfielder faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. Four different women made allegations against him covering the period between 2020 and 2022. Partey strongly denies all charges, and his trial is due to take place next year. No court has found him guilty of any offence.
In an official statement, Ghana’s government confirmed it is pursuing active diplomatic talks with Canadian officials. They hope to reverse the ban before the team’s next fixture in the country. The statement stressed the fundamental legal principle that every person is innocent until proven guilty. Officials promised to explore every possible legal channel to ensure a fair review of the facts.
Canadian immigration rules state clearly that foreign nationals with criminal convictions or pending charges may be refused entry. However, United States border officials took a different view. A spokesperson confirmed they granted Partey a visa and allowed him into the country because he has no criminal conviction. The player is currently training with the Black Stars in Boston.
National team coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include Partey in the squad. The Portuguese manager said he had no concerns about selecting the experienced midfielder. Partey left Arsenal in the summer when his contract expired after five years at the London club. He subsequently signed for Spanish side Villarreal in August.
Ghana will play England at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on 23 June. They will then face Croatia at the same venue on 27 June. Partey is available for selection in both of these group stage matches. If the Black Stars finish as runners-up in Group L, they will return to Canada for their round of 32 match later in the tournament.