The Ghanaian government has requested a review of Canada’s “arrogant and extremely unfair” decision to prohibit midfielder Thomas Partey from entering the country, preventing him from participating in the opening match of Carlos Queiroz’s team in the World Cup against Panama. The former Arsenal player was denied a visa, thus missing the match on Wednesday in Toronto. The decision by Canadian authorities is related to an ongoing criminal case in the United Kingdom, despite there being no conviction. Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegedly made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. The trial is scheduled for next year. In a statement, the Ghanaian government said it is undertaking “active diplomatic efforts” with Canadian authorities in hopes of reversing the situation, emphasizing that it will “explore and utilize all available avenues to ensure full and fair consideration of all factual matters.” “The Ghanaian government reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice,” the statement reads. Immigration rules published on the Canadian government’s website indicate that anyone who “has committed or been convicted of a crime” will not be authorized entry into the country. Before the tournament, Carlos Queiroz stated he had no doubts about calling up Partey. The midfielder, who transferred to Arsenal in 2020, joined Villarreal in August after being released at the end of the 2024-25 season. Despite missing the opener, Partey could play in the remaining group stage matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27, both in the United States, for which he has obtained a visa. If Ghana qualifies as the second-placed team in Group L, he will return to Canada to compete in the Round of 16.
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