Ghana Protests Canada’s Visa Denial for Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup

Accra, June 14 — Ghana has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny a World Cup visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, describing the move as unfair and calling for a review of the decision.

In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the government had submitted an official note of protest to Canadian authorities over the matter.

The statement described Canada’s action as “high-handed and extremely unfair” and emphasized that Partey remains an important member of Ghana’s national football team.

“Ghana has dispatched an official note of protest,” the statement said, adding that the government had requested Canada to reconsider what it described as an unfortunate decision.

Ghana Challenges Canada’s Decision

Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal CF and previously featured for Arsenal FC, is facing trial in Britain after pleading not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022.

A trial is scheduled for next year, meaning the 32-year-old remains eligible to represent Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he will be unavailable for Ghana’s opening Group L fixture against Panama in Toronto on June 17 due to Canada’s visa decision.

While acknowledging Canada’s sovereign authority to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana argued that denying entry based on charges that have not yet been proven in court raises concerns about fairness and due process.

“While respecting Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality,” the statement said.

According to FIFA, Partey will not be permitted to travel from Ghana’s World Cup training base in Boston to Canada for the opening match.

Despite the setback, the midfielder remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s subsequent group-stage matches against England and Croatia, both scheduled to be played in the United States.

Ghana has vowed to pursue all available diplomatic and legal avenues under Canadian and international law to secure what it called a fair reconsideration of the case. The government urged Ottawa to reverse the decision “in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law.”

Canadian immigration authorities declined to comment on the specifics of Partey’s case, citing privacy rules. Officials said public safety remains a priority and stressed that immigration laws are applied consistently.

Canada’s immigration service stated that its officers enforce regulations “consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile, or role in the tournament.”

Meanwhile, U.S. authorities said they were aware of the pending legal proceedings involving Partey but noted that he had not been convicted of any crime and had been granted entry into the United States after receiving a visa.

The controversy comes as Ghana prepares for its World Cup campaign, with uncertainty remaining over whether Partey could participate in future matches that may be held in Canada if the Black Stars advance beyond the group stage.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.