Ghana Appeals Canadian Visa Denial Ahead of World Cup Match Against Panama

Ghana has initiated a legal challenge to overturn the Canadian authorities’ decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa, aiming to resolve the complex World Cup eligibility issue before their opening match.

The Ghanaian government submitted an official appeal on Tuesday to review Canada’s refusal to grant Partey entry, with a federal court scheduled to urgently consider the case. Currently, Partey is barred from entering Canada, which prevents him from participating in Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama set to take place in Toronto early Thursday morning.

The visa denial stems from ongoing criminal proceedings against the 33-year-old player in the United Kingdom. Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022, and is expected to appear in court next year.

Ghana’s government described the Canadian decision as “arbitrary and unfair” and is seeking exceptional permission for Partey to enter Canada temporarily to join his national team for the match. The government has also requested the court to instruct Canadian immigration authorities to allow Partey to submit a new visa application.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the country is exploring all diplomatic avenues to secure a Canadian visa for the former Arsenal player, although the duration of the legal process remains uncertain.

In response, Canada’s Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship told the British Broadcasting Corporation: “Canada’s position remains firm that hosting major events does not alter its immigration laws. Each individual seeking entry to Canada is assessed on a case-by-case basis according to available facts and applicable law.”

Currently playing for Spain’s Villarreal, Partey has earned over 50 international caps for Ghana since his debut in June 2016. Prior to the tournament, Ghana’s head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed no reservations about including Partey in the squad.

Following their opener against Panama, Ghana will face England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Should Ghana advance as runners-up in Group H, they would return to Canada for the round of 32 matches.