Ghana’s government has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto. Partey, a 32-year-old Villarreal player and former Arsenal midfielder, faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women in the United Kingdom. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in June 2027.

The decision by Canadian authorities prevents Partey from joining Ghana for the June 17 match in Toronto, although he remains eligible to participate in Ghana’s subsequent group stage fixtures against England on June 23 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia. Ghana’s team base camp is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa described Canada’s refusal as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” emphasizing that the charges remain unproven and that Partey benefits from the legal presumption of innocence. The government expressed concerns that relying on pending criminal proceedings without a judicial verdict raises “fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality.” Ghana has dispatched an official note of protest to Canada and is engaging in diplomatic efforts, urging Canadian authorities to reconsider their decision.

While respecting Canada’s sovereign right to enforce immigration laws, Ghana called on Ottawa to rescind the visa denial “in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law.” The Ghana Football Association has not publicly commented on the matter.

FIFA clarified that it does not involve itself in host country immigration decisions, stating that visa approvals remain at the sole discretion of host governments. Canadian immigration officials declined to comment on individual cases, citing confidentiality, but affirmed that their officers apply immigration rules uniformly regardless of nationality, status, or role in the tournament. They also emphasized that protecting Canadian citizens’ safety is a priority. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities confirmed that Partey was admitted into the United States after he was granted a visa, despite being aware of the pending charges.

Partey originally faced a trial date in November, which was postponed to June 8, 2027. He remains on bail with restrictions that prevent him from contacting the alleged victims. Ghana is making its fifth World Cup appearance in six tournaments, and the situation with Partey underscores complex challenges arising from legal issues involving players during global sporting events.

Another player, Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, is also reportedly awaiting trial on similar charges in Paris. Ghana’s national team may return to Canada later in the tournament if they advance to the knockout stages, raising further questions about Partey’s eligibility beyond the group phase.