Ghanaian government officials have initiated diplomatic efforts with Canadian authorities to secure entry for midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of Ghana’s match against Panama in Toronto. Partey, currently based in Spain with Villarreal, was reportedly denied entry into Canada after traveling from the United States, where the Ghana national team has been conducting training sessions.

The Ghana government issued a statement emphasizing the presumption of innocence, highlighting concerns over the fairness and proportionality of restricting Partey’s movement based on allegations. Partey, 33, faces multiple charges in the United Kingdom, including seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He denies all the allegations, and his trial is scheduled for June 2027.

Despite the travel restrictions in Canada, Partey has been allowed entry into the United States, where he is expected to participate in Ghana’s upcoming Group L match against England in Boston on June 23. The Canadian match against Panama remains in doubt pending resolution of the entry issues.

The situation underscores ongoing legal and diplomatic complexities as Partey navigates international travel while facing serious charges in the UK. Ghanaian officials continue to engage with Canadian counterparts in hopes of reaching a resolution that would allow Partey to represent his country in the upcoming fixture.