Thomas Partey is set to miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama on Wednesday after the former Arsenal midfielder had his visa application refused by the Canadian government. FIFA has confirmed that Partey has been denied entry to Canada, where the match is scheduled to take place at BMO Field in Toronto.
Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal in Spain, was selected for Ghana's squad for the 48-team tournament. However, he faces serious legal issues: last July, he was charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. Partey has denied all charges, and a trial has been scheduled for June 2027. This legal situation had not prevented his participation in the World Cup, but the visa denial now casts doubt on his availability.
In a statement released to the Press Association, FIFA said: "FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government." The statement added that FIFA is not involved in immigration processes and that host governments ultimately determine visa decisions.
This development is a significant blow for Ghana, as Partey is a key midfielder. The team will now have to adjust their plans for the crucial group stage match. The story is breaking and updates are expected.
