The Government of Ghana demanded an official review Canada the decision to reject the midfielder Thomas Partey describing the move as “stupid and grossly unfair” ahead of the Black Stars’ World Cup opener.
Partey was ruled out of Ghana’s Group L match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after his visa application was rejected by Canadian authorities.
The government questions the decision
In an official statement, Ghana said it was using diplomatic channels to challenge the verdict, arguing that the decision undermines the principle of the presumption of innocence.
“The decision is understood to be based on ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom which have not resulted in any conviction,” the statement said.
“The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, the cornerstone of justice.”
It added that authorities “will explore and pursue all available remedies to ensure a full and fair consideration of all factual issues.”
Canadian immigration rules state that people can be considered inadmissible if they have been convicted of or are believed to have committed certain criminal offences, even if proceedings are ongoing.
Partey remains with the team at the American base
Partey, 32, is currently with the Ghana national team at their training camp in Boston while the legal process continues in the UK. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges relating to alleged offenses between 2020 and 2022 and is due to go on trial next year.
Despite the visa issue, the player is still expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining group matches against England in Boston and Croatia later in the tournament, subject to travel clearance.
A United States Customs and Border Protection official confirmed that Partey was cleared to enter the US after obtaining a visa, noting that he had not been convicted of any wrongdoing.
The Ghana World Cup focus continues
Head coach Carlos Queiroz previously expressed confidence in Partey’s selection for the tournament, with the midfielder recently joining Villarreal after leaving Arsenal at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Ghana remain hopeful of advancing from Group L, with the possibility of a return to Canada in the knockout stages depending on their position at the end.
