Ghana Government reacts after Thomas Partey barred from entering Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026

The 33-year-old was denied entry by the Canadian government.

The Villarreal CF midfielder, Thomas Partey, was denied entry into Canada on June 12 and is now set to miss Ghana’s opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama on June 17.

The 33-year-old will face trial next year after denying seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. In a recent statement, FIFA mentioned that Thomas Partey will not be travelling from Ghana’s training base in Boston, Massachusetts, to Canada.

FIFA said, “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

Canadian government stated that, “If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”

Also Read: Thomas Partey to miss Ghana’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener after being denied Canada entry

Statement by the Government of Ghana

“The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada,” Ghana’s government stated on Saturday, June 13

“While respecting Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality.”

Thomas Partey was allowed entry into the USA as he is not currently convicted of a crime. Ghana is placed in Group L for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and is set to play their opening game against Panama on June 17. For their other two group stage matches, the Black Stars will face England and Croatia.

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