Ghana has launched a diplomatic push against Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The move means the former Arsenal star is set to miss Ghana’s Group L clash against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, despite being cleared to enter the United States for the remainder of the tournament.
Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has condemned the decision, describing the grounds for the visa rejection as “flimsy” and urging Canadian authorities to review the matter.
“If any Ghanaian is touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it,” Adams told Channel One TV.
“Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting for them to use all processes to review and give opportunity for a review of such a decision that we think frowns on international laws and conventions.”
The minister argued that Partey has only been charged and has not been convicted of any crime, making the decision difficult to justify.
“He has not been found guilty,” Adams said. “Even in the country where they claim he committed the act, for which reason he is in court, which he has denied, he is still living there as a free citizen.”
FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey would not be permitted to travel to Canada and would instead remain at Ghana’s training base in Boston.
The 33-year-old midfielder is currently facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains on bail pending trial.
The allegations relate to four different women and stem from incidents allegedly occurring between 2021 and 2022. Partey was initially charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He entered not guilty pleas later that year.
In February 2026, prosecutors brought two additional rape charges involving a fourth complainant. Partey again pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Southwark Crown Court in April.
The trial had initially been scheduled for November 2026 but is now expected to be delayed until January 2027.
Canada’s government has defended its position, stressing that hosting the World Cup does not exempt visitors from immigration laws.
In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said every case is assessed individually under Canadian law and based on the facts available.
Canada’s immigration guidelines indicate that individuals may be denied entry if they have committed or been convicted of certain offences, although Partey has not been convicted.
FIFA also distanced itself from the controversy, stating that visa decisions remain entirely within the authority of host governments.
The dispute has escalated beyond football, with Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accusing Canada of acting unfairly.
In a statement released on Saturday, the ministry described the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair”, arguing that relying on unproven allegations rather than a court verdict raises serious concerns about fairness and proportionality.
The ministry said Ghana was actively engaging Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels and called for the decision to be reversed.
“Government further notes Mr Partey’s selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the significant national and global sporting considerations at stake, and therefore urges Canada to rescind its decision in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law,” the statement said.
While Ghana’s hopes of overturning the decision remain uncertain, Partey is expected to be available for the Black Stars’ remaining group-stage fixtures in the United States.
Ghana face England in Foxborough on June 23 before concluding their group campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
The absence of one of Ghana’s most experienced players is a major setback as the Black Stars seek a strong start in a group where every point could prove crucial.
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