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Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in his team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, after Canada refused his visa application while he awaits trial on multiple charges of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom.

The decision, confirmed by world football's governing body FIFA in a statement on Friday, has triggered a diplomatic row between Ghana and Canada. Ghana's Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa called the move "high-handed and extremely unfair," and Accra has officially protested to Ottawa, according to multiple reports.

Coverage Comparison

The story has been widely reported by international media, including Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, France 24, RFI, and African outlets such as Africa News and AllAfrica. The coverage consistently notes that the visa denial stems from charges Partey faces in Britain, and that his last-minute legal challenge in Canada's Federal Court was dismissed on Tuesday by Judge Roger Lafreniere, as reported by Al Jazeera and France 24.

Most outlets emphasize Ghana's official protest and the government's criticism of Canada's decision. Some reports, including those from Al Jazeera and Deutsche Welle, also include FIFA's statement that it is not involved in host countries' immigration processes. A few, such as those from AllAfrica and RFI, detail the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Ghanaian and Canadian authorities.

Key Claims

  • Partey's charges: The 32-year-old, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London's Metropolitan Police, according to multiple sources. He was later charged with two additional counts of rape in February 2026, to which he also pleaded not guilty. The charges relate to allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal. Partey has consistently denied the charges.
  • Visa denial and legal challenge: Canada refused Partey's visa application, citing the pending charges. His lawyers filed an emergency appeal in the Federal Court in Ottawa, but Judge Roger Lafreniere dismissed it on Tuesday, writing that Partey sought "extraordinary, mandatory interlocutory relief" that would have required Canada to set aside a "lawfully rendered inadmissibility finding," as reported by Al Jazeera and France 24. Partey's lawyer, Mackeda Bramwell, told Reuters before the verdict that they would not appeal if the judge ruled against them.
  • Ghana's protest: Ghana's Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed on Saturday that the government had lodged an official note of protest with Canada, describing the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair." The minister said Ghana had formally asked Canada to review the decision, per multiple reports.
  • FIFA's stance: FIFA confirmed that Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana's base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for the match in Toronto. The governing body said it is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, and that "the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country," as quoted by Al Jazeera and others.
  • Partey's US visa: The United States government has granted Partey a visa, allowing him to play in Ghana's subsequent group-stage matches in the US, against England on June 23 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia, as reported by Al Jazeera and France 24.

Perspectives

Ghana's government: Officials have expressed strong displeasure. Foreign Minister Ablakwa called the decision "high-handed and extremely unfair," and the government has dispatched a formal note of protest, requesting a review. Sports Minister Kofi Iddi Adams said the decision "frowns on international laws and conventions," as quoted by AllAfrica.

Canada's authorities: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has defended the decision, stating that "Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws." The agency added that every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law. Canada's foreign ministry declined to comment on discussions with Ghana about Partey's case, but said it maintains regular diplomatic engagement with Ghana on consular and migration-related issues.

Coaches and players: Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz said the team is prepared to play without Partey. "My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me," he told reporters in Toronto. Panama's coach Thomas Christiansen downplayed the impact, saying Ghana has "a lot of other footballers who can take on his role" and that the team would not be weaker without Partey.

Fans and diaspora: Reports from Al Jazeera and France 24 describe anger and frustration among Ghanaian fans at home and in Canada. Akua Mensah, a Canadian with Ghanaian roots, told Reuters the decision was "unfortunate."