Ghana's Thomas Partey Denied Entry to Canada for World Cup Opener
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada for his side's World Cup opener in Toronto. A federal court challenge seeking to overturn Ottawa's decision was dismissed on Tuesday. Canada cited British rape charges against Partey as the reason for denying him a visa, preventing him from playing for Ghana against Panama on Wednesday. Ghana's government has formally protested Canada's stance, describing the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair."
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey lost a court challenge on Tuesday, which sought to allow him entry into Canada for his national team's World Cup opener in Toronto. Ottawa denied the Villarreal player a visa, citing British charges of rape and sexual assault against him. This decision prevents Partey from participating in Ghana's match against Panama scheduled for Wednesday.
Accra had filed a request for an injunction in federal court to set aside Ottawa's decision. However, broadcaster CBC reported that Judge Roger Lafreniere dismissed the challenge.
Partey is currently facing seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault in Britain. These allegations involve four different women and reportedly occurred between 2020 and 2022. Partey denies the allegations.
Prior to the court's ruling, Ghana's veteran coach Carlos Queiroz stated that his team would be prepared regardless of the judicial outcome. Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen also commented, believing that Ghana would still offer strong competition even without Partey, noting their team's other footballers and greater experience.
Ghanaian Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa described Canada's decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair," emphasizing Partey's significance as a "key member" of Ghana's senior national team. Accra has formally lodged a "note of protest" with Ottawa and requested a review of the decision.
Canada’s foreign ministry informed AFP that it maintains regular diplomatic engagement with Ghana, including on consular and migration-related issues. However, the ministry declined to comment on specific discussions regarding Partey's exclusion, clarifying that decisions on entry into the country are made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC issued a statement asserting that hosting major events does not alter Canada's immigration laws and that every individual seeking entry is assessed based on available facts and applicable law.
According to Dawn Pakistan, these developments confirm Partey's inability to participate in the upcoming World Cup match.
