Thomas Partey denied Canada entry, ruled out of Ghana World Cup opener

TDT | Manama

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Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s World Cup Group L opener against Panama after being denied entry into Canada.

The former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder was scheduled to travel with the squad from their base in Boston to Toronto for Wednesday’s match at BMO Field, but his visa application was refused by Canadian authorities.

FIFA confirmed the situation, stating that Partey would not be permitted to travel for the fixture, while also noting that immigration decisions remain the responsibility of host nations.

Partey, who now plays club football in Spain with Villarreal, remains part of Ghana’s World Cup squad despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. He was charged in July last year with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. He denies all charges and is on bail pending a trial scheduled for June 2027.

Despite the charges, Partey has continued to play professionally for Villarreal and has made appearances for the Spanish club since the allegations were brought.

Ghana begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto before facing England in their second Group L match in Boston on June 23.