Ghana condemns Canada over visa denial for Thomas Partey ahead of World Cup opener

• Ghana condemns Canada's visa denial for Thomas Partey ahead of World Cup opener.

Ghana has criticized Canada for denying a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, preventing the former Arsenal player from participating in the Black Stars' opening match of the FIFA World Cup against Panama.

Canadian authorities refused Partey's entry application, citing pending criminal charges in the United Kingdom. The Ghana international is facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. He is awaiting trial.

Ghana's Foreign Ministry described the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair," arguing that the allegations against Partey remain unproven and questioning the fairness of barring him from entering the country before any verdict has been reached.

"The charges remain allegations that have not been proven in court," the ministry said, criticizing Canada's handling of the case.

A spokesperson for Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Department defended the decision, saying immigration applications are assessed on an individual basis and that hosting major international events does not alter the country's immigration laws or admissibility requirements.

"Every person is assessed individually," the spokesperson said. "The hosting of major events does not change Canada's immigration legislation."

FIFA confirmed that Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's World Cup base camp to Canada for the team's opening fixture against Panama. Football's governing body distanced itself from the dispute, emphasizing that immigration matters fall under the jurisdiction of host governments.

"FIFA is not involved in immigration decisions," the organization said, noting that entry requirements remain the responsibility of national authorities.

Despite missing the Panama match, Partey is expected to be available for Ghana's remaining group-stage fixtures against England in Foxborough on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27, both of which are scheduled to take place in the United States.

The absence of Partey is a significant blow to Ghana's midfield. The 33-year-old established himself as one of the country's most accomplished footballers during a successful spell with Atletico Madrid, where he won the UEFA Europa League and reached a UEFA Champions League final.

In 2020, Partey became the most expensive Ghanaian footballer in history when Arsenal activated his £45 million release clause to sign him from the Spanish club.

The visa dispute has added an unexpected political dimension to Ghana's World Cup campaign, with Accra and Ottawa now at odds over a decision that could affect one of the team's most influential players at the tournament.