Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ first World Cup match in Toronto against Panama after Canadian authorities refused him entry.
The 32-year-old, now with Spanish club Villarreal, was denied travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston. FIFA confirmed his visa application was refused by the Canadian government.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the world football body stated. “The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges relate to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial next year.
Canada’s immigration rules bar entry to individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain crimes, pending assessment.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz declined to comment on the selection decision. “If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. He is here so what are we talking about? This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.”
Partey remains eligible for Ghana’s remaining Group L fixtures. The Black Stars face England at Boston’s Gillette Stadium on 23 June at 21:00 BST, then play Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June at 22:00 BST.
Ghana opens its World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto without the former Arsenal midfielder.