CONFIRMED: Thomas Partey, denied access to Canada and not available for Ghana's opening game at the World Cup
Thomas Partey has been denied access to Canada and will not be available for Ghana's opening game at the World Cup in Toronto with Panama on June 17, 2026.
The 32-year-old midfielder has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022.
He is due to stand trial in 2027.
In a statement, Fifa confirmed the former Arsenal player, who is now with Spanish side Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana's training base in Boston after having his visa application refused by the Canadian government.
World football's governing body, added: "Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.
"The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."
On the Canadian government website rules around visiting the country state: "If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada."
Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
Minister of Sports
The Minister of Sports, Kofi Adams has indicated the decision was very surprising because even in the United Kingdom, where Partey is facing an accusation, he has been granted a bail, and was moving about freely in and out of the UK to Spain without any inhibitions.
It therefore beats imagination that Canada will decide to refuse him entry for a crucial world cup event.
Prior to the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, said he had no qualms over selecting Partey, who was at Atletico Madrid before moving to London in 2020 to join Arsenal.
"If the player is here with me, my answer is clear," said Queiroz.
"I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about?
"This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.
"Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth."
Ghana is set to face England in their second Group L match at the Boston Stadium, Foxborough, on June 23 before taking on Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia (22:00 BST) - both games in which Partey could still feature.
