The Government of Ghana has strongly criticised Canada’s decision to deny visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Partey was unable to travel to Canada for Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, after Canadian authorities rejected his temporary residence application.
In a statement released on Saturday, June 13, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair” and confirmed that it has begun diplomatic efforts to challenge the ruling.
The Ghanaian government said it was informed that Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) based its decision on inadmissibility provisions under the country’s immigration laws.
According to the statement, the decision was linked to ongoing criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom. However, Ghana stressed that the midfielder has not been convicted of any offence.
“The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies,” the statement said.
“While respecting Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality.”
The government revealed that it has already taken official steps to seek a review of the decision.
“On June 11, 2026, the Foreign Ministry of Ghana dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada. The note also requested that Canada reviews its unfortunate decision.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also held discussions with Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat.
Ghana said it is prepared to explore all available diplomatic, legal and administrative options, including seeking judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada if necessary.
The government further highlighted Partey’s importance to the national team and urged Canada to reconsider its position.
“Government further notes Mr. Partey’s selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the significant national and global sporting considerations at stake, and therefore urges Canada to rescind its decision in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law.”
FIFA has confirmed that visa decisions remain the responsibility of host nations and that football’s governing body has no authority over immigration matters.
Despite missing the match against Panama in Toronto, Partey could still feature in Ghana’s remaining group games in the United States against England and Croatia.
The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder is facing seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. The allegations involve four women and relate to incidents said to have taken place between 2020 and 2022. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is expected to stand trial next year.
The Ghanaian government expressed hope that ongoing discussions with Canadian authorities would lead to a positive outcome.
“The Government of Ghana cherishes our longstanding excellent bilateral relations with Canada and hopes that diplomatic rapprochement within the context of our historically cordial and friendly traditions would lead to an amicable resolution in a timely manner.”
The statement concluded with a call for fairness in football and beyond.
“May the beautiful game of football continue to live up to its reputation of uniting nations, forging lasting bonds of friendship, playing by the rules, and promoting fair play both on and off the field,” it said.
