Ghana says Canada’s Thomas Partey visa refusal is authoritarian and extremely unjust ahead of 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Ghana has condemned Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey entry for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup opener. It described the move as authoritarian and extremely unjust after he was refused a visa over ongoing UK legal proceedings.

According to L'Équipe, Ghana face Panama in Toronto in the night of 18 to 19 June. Accra has sent a diplomatic note seeking a review.

The foreign ministry said reliance on unproven allegations without a court ruling raised questions of fairness and proportionality.

Partey, 33, the Villarreal midfielder, has been charged with five counts of rape and sexual assault linked to alleged incidents in 2021 and 2022, and has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for 2 November 2026.

Canada has defended its stance, with the immigration ministry saying that hosting the World Cup does not change Canadian law and that each visa application is assessed individually. FIFA said it does not intervene in host countries’ immigration decisions.

Partey is expected to miss Ghana’s meeting with Panama in Toronto in the night of 18 to 19 June. He will then join his team-mates in the United States for group games against England in Boston on 23 June at 22:00 and Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June at 23:00.

Source: L'Équipe