Canada has upheld its decision to refuse entry to Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, confirming that the player’s visa application remains denied ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The ruling means the Villarreal midfielder is currently set to miss Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto.
Canadian immigration authorities initially rejected Partey’s application under administrative admissibility rules linked to individuals facing active criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Some of the from the refractions the MCI( Migration and Citizenship Immigration) lawyer included
- In Thomas Partey Canadian Visa Application, Partey did not disclose that he had been charged in the UK
- he never played in a world Cup
- Why Thomas Partey was given preferential treatment when it came to this
- MCI lawyer says they don’t need a criminal conviction to justify the decision.
Meanwhile
his defence lawyer also defended that
- The application was filed by secondary party on his behalf
- several persons including artists and actors have been granted entry via TRP
- Partey’s lawyer asks judge to consider speed in his decision since time is an issue for her client. He is willing to do whatever including signing an undertaking to be allowed entry
Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. His trial has been postponed until June 2027.
The decision to maintain the visa refusal comes despite an urgent diplomatic and legal appeal lodged by the Ghanaian government, which had sought a review through Canadian courts.
Ghanaian officials have argued that the decision is unfair and inconsistent with the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”, describing the original ruling as “high-handed and extremely unfair”.
They had requested a temporary entry permit to allow the midfielder to participate in the tournament while legal proceedings remain ongoing.
However, Canadian authorities have now confirmed that the refusal will stand, leaving Ghana without one of their key players for the match in Toronto.
The situation only affects fixtures hosted in Canada. Partey has already been cleared to enter the United States and remains eligible for Ghana’s remaining Group L matches played on American soil.
He has been training with the national squad at their base camp in Boston and is expected to be available for Ghana’s fixtures against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
The split-hosting arrangement between Canada and the United States has created a complex logistical situation for Ghana, with player availability differing depending on where matches are staged.
Ghana’s coaching staff are now assessing their tactical options ahead of the opening fixture, given Partey’s importance to the team’s midfield structure.
The Ghana Football Association continues to monitor the situation but has not indicated any further immediate legal action following Canada’s decision to maintain the visa refusal.
