Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey barred from entering Canada for World Cup match

The Federal Court in Ottawa upheld a denial of a Canadian visa for Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, ruling that ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom justify the refusal. Partey faces seven rape allegations and one sexual‑assault charge involving four women between 2020 and 2022. The court found “no serious basis” to overturn the original decision.

Ghana’s government appealed for a temporary entry permit so Partey could travel to Toronto for the group‑stage opener against Panama on 18 June, but the request was rejected. Ghana described the move as “extremely unfair,” while Canadian immigration officials reiterated that large sporting events do not alter immigration law.

The United States subsequently granted Partey a visa, allowing him to play in the remaining group games against England on 23 June in Boston and Croatia on 27 June in Philadelphia.