Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been refused entry to Canada and will miss his country’s opening World Cup fixture against Panama in Toronto.
The 32-year-old Villarreal player had been due to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston but was prevented from entering after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.
In a statement on Friday, FIFA confirmed it does not intervene in host nations’ immigration decisions. “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the governing body said. “The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Partey’s absence deals a significant blow to Ghana ahead of their Group Stage opener, given his experience and pivotal role in midfield.
The player has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year.
Ghana are now expected to revise their midfield strategy before facing Panama, with further squad decisions anticipated ahead of kick-off.
