Thomas Partey denied Canadian visa, to miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama

Thomas Partey will not travel to Canada for Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama on Wednesday 17 June after the Canadian government refused his visa application. The former Arsenal midfielder, now at Villarreal, is awaiting trial on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault brought by London’s Metropolitan Police. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

FIFA confirmed the situation in a statement, noting that host governments retain full authority over immigration decisions. “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the governing body said. “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

Ghana’s squad is based on Rhode Island and had been due to travel to Canada early next week ahead of the Panama fixture. Partey was granted a US visa prior to the tournament, meaning he remains eligible for Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches — against England in Boston on 23 June and against Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June.

The 32-year-old was charged by the Metropolitan Police earlier this year and the case is ongoing. His absence from the Panama game represents a significant blow to Ghana’s preparations, though the extent of his involvement in the tournament will depend on how the legal situation and any further visa considerations develop.