2026 World Cup: Ghana seeks review of Thomas Partey’s Canada visa denial
Ghana has launched a diplomatic push to reverse Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry for the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the government describing the move as unfair and inconsistent with international legal principles.
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams confirmed that Ghanaian authorities are seeking a review of the decision through diplomatic channels after Partey was refused a visa to travel to Toronto for Ghana’s Group L opener against Panama on 17 June.
FIFA has already confirmed that the 32-year-old midfielder will miss the match, stating that immigration matters fall entirely within the jurisdiction of host nations.
Canadian authorities have not publicly explained the reasons behind the visa refusal. However, the decision comes as Partey faces ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he has pleaded not guilty to multiple rape charges. The case has not yet gone to trial.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News programme, Mr Adams said the Ghanaian government had acted on the instructions of President John Dramani Mahama and was engaging Canadian authorities through formal diplomatic channels.
“As has been indicated by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and the mandate through his Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that any Ghanaian touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it,” he said.
The minister argued that the decision undermined the principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“We have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting them to review the decision that we think frowns on international law and conventions for which both Canada and Ghana are a party,” he said.
Mr Adams described the grounds for the refusal as “very flimsy”, noting that Partey has been charged but has not been convicted of any offence.
“The person had already been charged. He has not been found guilty,” he said.
The minister also questioned why Canada had taken a different stance from the United States, which recently allowed Partey entry after granting him a valid visa despite being aware of the ongoing court case.
“One is therefore surprised that Canada, which is so far away, will now apply rules to the extent that where somebody has just been merely charged, that person has been deemed guilty,” Adams added.
The development has created uncertainty around Partey’s participation in the tournament, although he remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining group-stage fixtures in the United States.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face England in Boston on 23 June before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June, with US authorities confirming that Partey was admitted after officials determined he had not been convicted of a crime.
For now, Ghana’s efforts remain focused on securing a reversal of Canada’s decision, as the country seeks to have one of its most experienced players available for the remainder of its World Cup campaign.
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