Canada denies visa to Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of World Cup match

Ghana's foreign ministry and Sports Minister Kofi Adams condemned Canada's decision to refuse a visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, calling it "unfair, excessive and contrary to the principle of presumption of innocence." Canadian immigration officials denied the entry clearance because of pending criminal charges in the United Kingdom, including allegations of rape and sexual assault, despite no conviction. The refusal prevents Partey from traveling from the Ghanaian squad’s training camp in Boston to Toronto for the Group H World Cup game against Panama on 17 June. Ghana has lodged a formal diplomatic protest and said it will pursue all legal and administrative avenues under Canadian and international law to secure a review of the decision. FIFA has been urged to intervene, warning that the action could set an undesirable precedent for future international tournaments.