The Government of Ghana has demanded a formal review of Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry, describing the move as “high-handed and extremely unfair” ahead of the Black Stars’ World Cup opener.
Partey has been ruled out of Ghana’s Group L fixture against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after his visa application was rejected by Canadian authorities.
Government questions decision
In an official statement, Ghana said it is engaging diplomatic channels to challenge the ruling, arguing that the decision undermines the principle of presumption of innocence.
“The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction,” the statement read.
“The government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice.”
It added that authorities will “explore and pursue all available remedies to ensure full and fair consideration of all factual issues.”
Canadian immigration rules state that individuals may be deemed inadmissible if they have been convicted of or are believed to have committed certain crimes, even where proceedings are ongoing.
Partey remains with squad in US base
Partey, 32, is currently with the Ghana squad at their training camp in Boston while the legal process continues in the United Kingdom. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges relating to alleged offences between 2020 and 2022 and is due to stand trial next year.
Despite the visa setback, the player is still expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining group fixtures against England in Boston and Croatia later in the tournament, subject to travel clearance.
A United States Customs and Border Protection official confirmed that Partey had been granted entry into the US after receiving a visa, noting that he had not been convicted of any offence.
Ghana’s World Cup focus continues
Head coach Carlos Queiroz had earlier indicated confidence in selecting Partey for the tournament, with the midfielder recently joining Villarreal after leaving Arsenal at the end of the 2024–25 season.
Ghana remain hopeful of progressing from Group L, with the possibility of a return to Canada in the knockout stages depending on their finishing position.