Ghana Protests After Canada Blocks Partey From World Cup Opener

Ghana has lodged an official complaint with Canadian authorities after the country denied a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, preventing him from joining the Black Stars for their World Cup Group Stage opener against Panama in Toronto. The 32-year-old Arsenal and Villarreal veteran was expected to travel with the squad to their training base in Boston, but Canadian immigration officials blocked his entry.

Ghana's Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa described the decision as heavy-handed and unjust in a statement released on Saturday. The government has requested that Canada reconsider its position on Partey's application.

Partey is currently facing trial in the United Kingdom on seven counts related to rape and sexual assault allegations involving four different women across a period spanning 2020 to 2022. He has entered a plea of not guilty.

The midfielder's absence represents a significant loss for Ghana as the team enters the tournament's group stage. Partey has been a key player for Ghana's senior national team.

The trial is scheduled to take place next year, meaning Partey will not participate in Wednesday's match. FIFA has clarified that it does not intervene in immigration decisions made by host nations.

The organisation confirmed that visa adjudication remains entirely within the jurisdiction of the host country's government. Canada's authorities retained final authority to determine whether to grant or deny entry to the player.