Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey denied Canada visa for World Cup opener

Key facts

• Ghana's government criticized Canada's decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa for the World Cup opener.
• Partey faces multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
• Canada defended its decision, citing vetting concerns.
• Ghana's government called the ruling "extremely unfair" and contrary to the presumption of innocence.
• Ghana is pursuing diplomatic and legal avenues to overturn the visa refusal.
• Partey will be eligible for Ghana's subsequent World Cup matches.

Ghana's government has strongly criticized Canada's decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa for the team's World Cup opener, citing pending rape charges against him. The Ghanaian government labeled the ruling "extremely unfair" and contrary to the principle of presumption of innocence, threatening legal action to overturn the refusal. Partey, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in the UK, returned to Ghana's base camp in Rhode Island after his visa application was denied. Ghana is pursuing diplomatic engagements and exploring all available legal remedies with Canadian authorities.

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that while respecting Canada's right to enforce immigration laws, the reliance on unproven charges raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality. The government reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement for an amicable resolution. Partey is expected to be eligible for Ghana's subsequent World Cup matches.