Ghana’s government calls it an ‘unfair decision’ after Thomas Partey was not allowed into Canada before the World Cup game.
Ghana’s government has called Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey entry “very unfair.”
On Friday (June 12), Partey wasn’t allowed into Canada, one of the World Cup hosts, so he will miss Ghana’s opening match against Panama in Toronto on June 18.
Partey, a midfielder who used to play for Arsenal and now plays for Villarreal, is set for trial next year after denying seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge from four women between 2020 and 2022.
FIFA said that because Canada refused Partey’s visa, he couldn’t travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston, Massachusetts. They also made it clear that FIFA doesn’t get involved in visa decisions, as that is up to each host country.
Canada’s rules say people who have committed or been convicted of a crime may be refused entry. Partey denies all the charges and hasn’t been found guilty of a crime.
On Saturday, Ghana’s government spoke out, calling Canada’s decision “very unfair” and said they’ve officially asked Canada to reconsider. They respected Canada’s right to control immigration but felt it was wrong to base the refusal on charges that aren’t proven in court yet.
Partey could enter the US because he hasn’t been convicted. A US official explained that they admitted him after checking his case carefully, and that they leave questions about Canada’s visa decisions to Canadian authorities.
Canada’s Immigration department told BBC Sport that while Canada is excited to host the 2026 World Cup, immigration laws must be followed for everyone. Each person’s case is reviewed based on the facts and laws in place.