Ghana Challenges Canada Over Thomas Partey Visa Rejection Ahead of World Cup Opener

The Government of Ghana has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country, describing the move as “high-handed” and “extremely unfair” ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match of the FIFA World Cup.

Partey has been ruled out of Ghana’s Group L clash against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.

Government Questions Decision

In an official statement, the Ghanaian government confirmed it is pursuing diplomatic channels to seek a review of the decision, arguing that it contradicts the fundamental legal principle of presumption of innocence.

“The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction,” the statement said.

“The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice.”

The statement added that authorities would “explore and pursue all available remedies to ensure full and fair consideration of all factual issues.”

Under Canadian immigration regulations, foreign nationals may be deemed inadmissible if they have been convicted of, or are believed to have committed, certain offences, even when legal proceedings remain unresolved.

Partey Remains With Squad in the United States

The 32-year-old midfielder remains with the Ghana squad at their training base in Boston as legal proceedings continue in the United Kingdom.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges relating to alleged offences said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. His trial is scheduled to begin next year.

Despite the visa setback, the midfielder is still expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches against England in Boston and Croatia later in the tournament, subject to the necessary travel clearances.

A United States Customs and Border Protection official confirmed that Partey had been granted entry into the United States after securing a visa, noting that he has not been convicted of any offence.

Ghana Focused on World Cup Campaign

Head coach Carlos Queiroz had previously expressed confidence in including Partey in his World Cup plans. The midfielder recently joined Villarreal after departing Arsenal at the end of the 2024–25 season.

While disappointed by the Canadian ruling, Ghana remain focused on their World Cup campaign and are hopeful of advancing from Group L. Progression to the knockout stages could require a return to Canada later in the tournament, depending on where the Black Stars finish in the group standings.