Ghana also described Partey as a key member of its senior national football team, the Black Stars, which is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ghana have branded Canada’s decision to deny their midfielder, Thomas Partey, entry into the country to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as “high-handed and extremely unfair”.
The West African nation made this known via a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the incident.
Partey was recently denied a Canadian visa because he is currently facing a sexual assault charge, despite still awaiting trial and not yet being convicted.
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This means the former Arsenal midfielder will miss the Black Stars’ opening group-stage match against Panama in Toronto on Thursday.
Reacting to the development, Ghana, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrote: “The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application for Mr. Thomas Teye Partey, a Ghanaian national and key member of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, which is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Accordingly, Ghana is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities on this matter.”
