Thomas Partey Visa Denial Sparks Ghana-Canada Legal Clash Ahead of World Cup

Canadian immigration officials refused a visa for Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, citing his pending rape and sexual‑assault charges in the United Kingdom. The decision bars him from entering Canada for Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto. Ghana’s government called the refusal “extremely unfair,” lodged an official protest with Global Affairs Canada and announced it will pursue diplomatic, legal and administrative avenues, including a judicial review in Federal Court. A Federal Court hearing on an injunction application is scheduled for Tuesday.

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department said the case was assessed under paragraph A36(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, stating “Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies,” and that hosting the tournament does not alter its immigration laws. Partey, who faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, remains in the United States and will miss the Toronto opener but is eligible to play in later group‑stage games in Boston and Philadelphia.

Ghana’s foreign ministry emphasized the presumption of innocence and proportionality, urging Canada to rescind the decision while maintaining overall warm relations between the two nations.