Ghana have been dealt a significant blow forward of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada.
The 32-year-old will miss Ghana’s first Group L sport in opposition to Panama in Toronto after his visa software was refused by the Canadian authorities.
Partey, who now performs for Villarreal CF, has pleaded not responsible to seven costs of rape and one cost of sexual assault involving allegations made by 4 girls between 2020 and 2022. He’s anticipated to face trial subsequent yr.
In a press release, FIFA confirmed that Partey can be unable to journey from Ghana’s coaching camp in Boston to Canada after his visa software was rejected.
World soccer’s governing physique mentioned it doesn’t participate in immigration selections and that host governments have the ultimate say on who’s granted entry into their nations.
Canada’s immigration authorities mentioned each customer is assessed individually underneath the nation’s legal guidelines and that internet hosting the World Cup doesn’t change its immigration guidelines.
The choice means Ghana should face Panama with out one of their most skilled gamers. Nonetheless, Partey might nonetheless characteristic in Ghana’s remaining group matches, which can be performed in the USA.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz had beforehand defended his determination to incorporate Partey within the squad. Talking earlier than the match, Queiroz mentioned the matter needs to be left to observe its authorized course of and that it was not for him to make a judgement.
Ghana’s second Group L match is in opposition to England in Foxborough on 23 June, earlier than they tackle Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. Each matches are in the USA, that means Partey might nonetheless be out there if permitted to stay within the nation.
The information has triggered widespread response amongst Ghanaian soccer followers, with many expressing their disappointment on social media. Ghana’s Sports activities Minister, Kofi Adams, described the choice as “completely mistaken”, arguing that the participant has been charged however has not been discovered responsible.
Partey’s case is one of a number of immigration-related points to emerge throughout the match. Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was reportedly questioned for hours at a Chicago airport earlier than being allowed into the USA.
In the meantime, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the USA regardless of holding a diplomatic passport and a legitimate visa. Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Soccer Males’s Referee of the 12 months in 2025, had been set to develop into the primary Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.
For now, Ghana should deal with their opening sport in opposition to Panama with out Partey as they start their quest to achieve the knockout stage of the match.
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