Thomas Partey denied Canada entry for Ghana's Thomas Partey opener

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto after being refused entry into Canada. FIFA said his visa application was rejected by the Canadian government, meaning he cannot travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston.

Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven rape charges and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial next year. Canadian immigration rules state that people who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into the country, although every case is assessed individually.

Canada’s immigration authority said hosting a major event does not change its laws and that each person is judged on the facts and the law that applies. A U.S. border official said Partey was admitted into the United States after being issued a visa, but that Canada was responsible for its own entry decision.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz had previously defended selecting Partey, saying the issue was not for him or others to judge and that the legal process should run its course. The Ghana Football Association has not yet commented publicly on the decision.

The ruling may not rule Partey out of the entire tournament. Ghana still have two group matches in the United States, against England in Foxborough and Croatia in Philadelphia, where he could feature if selected. They could also potentially return to Canada later in the knockout rounds, depending on how they finish in the group.

The decision has sparked anger in Ghana, with many fans expressing shock and frustration online. Sports minister Kofi Adams called the move “absolutely wrong,” arguing that Partey has been charged but not convicted. The case comes amid other border and visa issues affecting teams, officials and delegations at the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.