Thomas Partey will not be able to travel to Canada for Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama on Wednesday in Toronto after the Canadian government refused his visa application linked to serious rape charges in England.
Thomas Partey was supposed to be in Toronto for Ghana’s World Cup opener on Wednesday against Panama. Instead, his visa was refused by Canada, leaving coach and teammates to adjust plans before kickoff.
FIFA confirmed Friday that the Villarreal midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston. USA. to Canada for the first match against Panama on Wednesday. 17 June. In FIFA’s statement. the key point was blunt: “as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.” FIFA also said it is “not involved in the immigration processes of host countries. ” adding that host governments ultimately decide who receives a visa and is admitted.
For Ghana, the absence is immediate. The opening match in Toronto—against Panama—will come without the 32-year-old midfielder.
Partey’s legal situation traces back to England. where the charges are described as serious and tied to events from 2021 and 2022. when he played for Arsenal. He was first charged with five counts of rape last summer, along with one charge of sexual assault. Two more charges were later levied against him in February. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His next court date is scheduled for November, though the trial could be postponed into 2027.
The disruption also lands on a football calendar already tight. Partey is a product of the Atletico academy. made his professional debut in 2013. and spent five seasons at the Emirates after joining Arsenal. He moved to Villarreal on a free transfer in August and made 25 appearances for the club last season. His current deal is set to expire at the end of June, but Villarreal holds a one-year option.
On the international stage. Partey has been capped 58 times for the Black Stars and appeared at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Now. as Ghana prepares to open its tournament against Panama in Toronto. the question for the team is not only tactical—it’s who can step in and how quickly they can do it. given a visa refusal that FIFA says Canada alone decided.
Thomas Partey Ghana Panama FIFA World Cup Canada visa refused Toronto Villarreal Arsenal Black Stars