Ghana is set to launch diplomatic efforts to challenge Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry ahead of the Black Stars’ World Cup opener against Panama.
The development means Ghana could be without one of its most experienced players for the Group L encounter on June 17 unless Canadian authorities reverse their decision before kick-off.
FIFA confirmed that Partey was unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston, United States, to Toronto with the rest of the squad after his visa application was rejected by the Canadian government.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country,” the governing body said.
Partey, 32, is currently on bail in the United Kingdom while contesting multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault. The former Arsenal midfielder, now with Spanish club Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial is scheduled to begin in June 2027.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey was granted entry into the United States earlier this month.
In a statement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that the midfielder was admitted into the country after being issued a visa.
“On June 3, 2026, CBP officers inspected and admitted Ghana national, Thomas Partey, into the United States.
“The U.S. 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. All travelers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection.
“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 U.S. law. CBP defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry.”
Reacting to the situation, Sports Minister Kofi Adams revealed that the Ghanaian government has already engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities to seek a review of Canada’s decision.
Speaking on Citi FM on Friday, Adams said Ghana would not remain silent over the treatment of one of its citizens.
“As has been indicated by His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, and the mandate through his Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that any Ghanaian touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it. Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting them to review the decision. I hope and pray that they do what they must do, and do it right,” he said.
The Sports Minister argued that the grounds for refusing Partey’s entry were unjustified, noting that the player has been charged but has not been convicted of any offence.
“We got a decision that he had been denied entry to Canada on very flimsy reasons. I say flimsy because the person had already been charged. He has not been found guilty,” Adams stated.
He further questioned why Canada had taken such a position when Partey continues to live and work in the country where the alleged offences are said to have occurred.
“One is therefore surprised that Canada, which is so far away, will now apply rules to the extent that where somebody has just been merely charged, that person has been deemed guilty,” he added.
While Partey is set to miss the clash against Panama unless the decision is overturned, he remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches in the United States, including the highly anticipated fixture against England in Boston on June 23 and the final Group L match against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
His absence would be a significant setback for the Black Stars as they begin their World Cup campaign, with Ghana hoping diplomatic interventions can secure a late reversal before the tournament opener.
