Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada, unable to play in Ghana’s World Cup opener
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry to Canada due to visa refusal linked to his ongoing legal charges.
- Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, all denied by him, with trials scheduled at Southwark Crown Court in London, potentially delayed until early 2027.
- FIFA confirmed it has no role in visa decisions, which are made solely by host countries; Canadian immigration laws bar entry to individuals charged with serious crimes to protect national security.
- Partey remains eligible to play in Ghana’s subsequent World Cup group games in the United States against England and Croatia, as those matches are outside Canada.
- Despite legal issues, Partey continued his professional career, playing for Arsenal until 2025 and then Villarreal in the 2025-26 season, with his contract expiring at Villarreal this June.