Ghana will be without Thomas Partey for its World Cup opener against Panama after FIFA confirmed Canada refused his visa. Partey, charged with rape and sexual assault offenses in England, will miss the June 17 match in Toronto and is expected back for Ghana’s
The day before Ghana’s World Cup opener, a familiar name—Thomas Partey—won’t be on the field. FIFA confirmed Friday that the midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston to Canada for the match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, at Toronto Stadium.
FIFA’s statement was direct. It said Partey’s visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. The world football body also stressed that it is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries. including visa decisions: the host government determines who receives a visa and is admitted. As with previous FIFA events, that final step remains with the country hosting the match.
Partey, 32, has been in the spotlight for legal proceedings in England over the last year. He has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges include five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault filed in London last July. followed by two new counts of rape in September. He has pleaded not guilty on all charges, and he is still awaiting trial.
On the visa question. Canada’s government website states that if someone has committed or been convicted of a crime. they may not be allowed into the country. Immigration. Refugees and Citizenship Canada added that officers assess eligibility and admissibility under Canadian immigration law. and can deny entry if they believe an individual could pose a security risk. It was in a pre-tournament statement to The Athletic.
For Ghana, the consequence is immediate. Partey had been expected to help shape the team’s midfield in the group opener. Instead, the match against Panama will come with a key absence.
There is also a clear timeline ahead. FIFA confirmed Partey will be able to return for Ghana when the team moves to the United States for its final two group-stage matches against England and Croatia.
For now, the question for Ghana is practical and stark: how to replace Partey’s presence in the biggest 90 minutes of the tournament’s early chapter—after a denial that FIFA said it could not influence.
Thomas Partey Ghana Panama World Cup FIFA Canada visa denial Toronto Stadium Arsenal Villarreal