Ghana protests Canada’s visa denial for Partey ahead of World Cup

Ghana has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey a visa for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Ghanaian midfielder is facing trial in Britain over rape and sexual assault charges.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the protest in a statement on Saturday, describing Canada’s decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair.”

According to him, Ghana has sent an official note of protest to the Canadian authorities, asking them to review the decision.

Partey, who plays for Villarreal and previously featured for Arsenal, is a key member of Ghana’s senior national team.

The 32-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations involve four women and relate to incidents said to have happened between 2020 and 2022.

His trial has been fixed for next year, meaning he remains eligible to represent Ghana at the World Cup.

However, FIFA has confirmed that Partey will not be allowed to travel with the Ghana squad from their base camp in Boston to Canada for their opening Group L match against Panama in Toronto on June 17.

Ablakwa said Ghana respects Canada’s right to enforce its immigration laws, but argued that relying on charges that have not been proven in court raises serious questions of fairness and proportionality.

Partey is expected to be available for Ghana’s other Group L matches against England and Croatia, which will be played in the United States.