News Focus
- Canadian court rejects emergency visa appeal from Ghana midfielder
- Partey faces rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom
- Black Stars prepare to face Panama in Toronto without key player
- Midfielder cleared to play in United States warm-up matches
A Canadian judge has stopped Thomas Partey from entering the country. The Ghana midfielder cannot join his national team for their World Cup fixture against Panama.
Justice Roger Lafrenière rejected the player’s urgent appeal on Tuesday. The judge heard the case in Ottawa. He supported the decision made by Canadian immigration officials.
Ghana are scheduled to play Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. This match forms part of the team’s World Cup preparations. Partey will now miss this clash.
The court ruled that Partey failed to show valid grounds for emergency relief. Lafrenière stated that granting entry would break Canada’s immigration laws. The judge noted that hosting the World Cup does not change national border rules.
The decision relates to serious criminal charges in the United Kingdom. Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He denies all allegations. His trial is set for next year in London.
Court documents revealed problems with Partey’s visa application. The midfielder claimed he had no criminal charges in any country. Canadian authorities later asked him to clarify the UK case.
In a sworn statement, Partey promised to follow strict conditions. He pledged to remain under supervision from team officials at all times. He also vowed to leave Canada immediately after the match.
“I have not been convicted of any offence,” Partey stated. “I pleaded not guilty and remain presumed innocent under the law.”
The midfielder argued that his absence would damage Ghana’s tournament hopes. He claimed this was his country’s first World Cup qualification. However, records show Ghana competed at the Qatar tournament in 2022. Partey played in three matches during that campaign.
National team coach Carlos Queiroz spoke before the court ruling. He stated he would work with the players available to him. “We play with the cards in front of us,” he told reporters. “We are ready for any decision.”
Partey will travel to the United States instead. He has permission to enter America for training and matches. The midfielder will feature against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.