Ghana Protests After Thomas Partey Is Denied Canada Visa Ahead of World Cup

Another player has been blocked from taking part in a World Cup match after Ghana international Thomas Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada.

The latest development comes shortly after Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry into the United States ahead of the tournament.

According to Ghana’s government, Canada refused to issue a visa to the 32-year-old midfielder, who is currently facing rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom. Partey has denied all the allegations and is yet to stand trial.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa said the country had officially protested the decision, describing it as unfair. He added that Ghana had asked Canada to reconsider and allow the former Arsenal player to travel for the World Cup.

FIFA confirmed that Partey will not be able to travel to Toronto for Ghana’s opening match against Panama on June 17. However, he remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s other Group L matches against England and Croatia, which will be played in the United States.

Ghana said it respects Canada’s immigration laws but argued that relying on charges that have not yet been decided by a court raises questions about fairness. The government has also indicated that it may pursue diplomatic and legal options to seek a review of the decision.

Canadian immigration authorities declined to discuss individual cases, saying their rules are applied equally to everyone regardless of nationality or status. They added that the safety of Canadians remains their top priority.

Meanwhile, United States authorities allowed Partey to enter the country, noting that he has not been convicted of any offence and had been granted a visa.

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