The Government of Ghana has launched a legal challenge against Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country, with a court hearing scheduled in Ottawa as efforts intensify to secure the player’s participation in the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Partey, 33, is set to miss Ghana’s Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after Canadian authorities refused to grant him a visa. The decision is linked to ongoing criminal proceedings involving the midfielder in the United Kingdom.
A hearing on Ghana’s application is expected to take place at 14:00 BST (09:00 Eastern Time) in Ottawa. The government is seeking judicial intervention to overturn the visa refusal and allow Partey temporary entry into Canada for the duration of the match.
The former Arsenal midfielder has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is expected to stand trial next year.
Ghanaian officials have strongly criticised Canada’s decision, describing it as “high-handed and extremely unfair.” In its court filing, the government is requesting permission for Partey to enter Canada on a limited basis to represent Ghana at the World Cup. It is also asking the court to direct Canadian immigration authorities to allow the player to submit a fresh visa application for reconsideration.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that Ghana is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic channels in an effort to resolve the matter before the country’s opening fixture.
“We are exploring every available legal and diplomatic option to ensure that Thomas Partey is given a fair opportunity to represent his country on the world stage,” the minister said.
It remains unclear when a final ruling on the matter will be delivered and whether a decision can be reached before Ghana’s clash with Panama.
Responding to questions about the case, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reiterated that major sporting events do not exempt individuals from the country’s immigration requirements.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws,” the department said in a statement.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”
Partey, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal, has earned more than 50 caps for Ghana since making his senior international debut in 2016 and remains one of the team’s most experienced players.
Ahead of the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include Partey in the squad, insisting that football considerations guided his selection.
Following the Panama encounter, Ghana are scheduled to face England in Boston on June 23 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. The Black Stars could also return to Canada during the knockout stages if they progress from the group as runners-up.
The outcome of the court proceedings is now being closely watched, with Partey’s availability potentially having a significant impact on Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
