Ghana’s preparations for their opening World Cup fixture have been disrupted after midfielder Thomas Partey was blocked from entering Canada, ruling him out of the clash against Panama in Toronto.
The 32-year-old, who has been named in Ghana’s squad, was refused entry after Canadian authorities denied his visa application. He is currently with the team’s training camp in Boston but will not be able to travel for the match.
Partey, formerly of Arsenal and now at Spanish club Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations from four women said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to face trial next year.
FIFA confirmed in a statement that the player cannot make the trip, noting that his inability to travel stems from immigration restrictions imposed by the host nation. The governing body stressed it has no role in visa decisions.
“Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.
“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Canadian entry rules state that individuals may be deemed inadmissible if they have been convicted of or are suspected of committing certain offences, including criminal acts.
“ If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
While Partey has not been convicted and continues to deny all allegations, his pending legal case appears to have influenced the visa outcome.
A US Customs and Border Protection official clarified that he was allowed into the United States despite the ongoing proceedings.
“The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey, however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa.
“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.
“CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law. CBP defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry.”
