Key facts
- Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada for the World Cup.
- The visa denial prevents Partey from playing in Ghana's opening match against Panama.
- Partey is currently awaiting trial in London on multiple charges of rape.
- FIFA confirmed the visa refusal and stated that host governments determine visa eligibility.
- Canada has defended its decision to deny entry to Partey.
- He is expected to be eligible to play in Ghana's subsequent matches.
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will be unable to participate in his team's World Cup opening match against Panama in Toronto due to a denied visa application by the Canadian government. FIFA confirmed the decision, stating that it does not interfere with the immigration processes of host countries. The 32-year-old player is currently awaiting trial in London on multiple charges of rape, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Partey was traveling back to Ghana's base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, following the visa refusal. He is expected to be eligible to play in Ghana's subsequent matches, including one against England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 23, and another against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Separately, Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is also awaiting trial in Paris on similar charges.