The Ghanaian government has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the move as “high-handed and extremely unfair.”
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued by Ghana’s foreign ministry, authorities said they believed the visa refusal was linked to ongoing criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom. The former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal CF, faces rape and sexual assault allegations, which he has consistently denied.
Ghana said it had submitted an official diplomatic protest to the Canadian government, arguing that relying on allegations that have not been proven in court raises concerns about fairness and proportionality. While acknowledging Canada’s right to enforce its immigration laws, the West African nation insisted that denying entry based on unresolved charges was unjust.
The visa decision means Partey will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama national football team in Toronto on June 17. However, he remains with the Black Stars squad at their training base in Boston and is expected to be available for Ghana’s subsequent Group L matches against England national football team and Croatia national football team, both of which will be played in the United States.
Canadian immigration authorities defended the decision, stating that hosting a major sporting event does not alter the country’s immigration laws. Officials said every applicant is assessed individually based on available facts and applicable laws.
Meanwhile, FIFA clarified that it has no role in the visa approval process of host countries and that immigration decisions remain solely within the authority of national governments.
