Ghana has formally lodged a diplomatic protest against Canada after authorities denied a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Ghanaian government described the decision as unfair and disproportionate, arguing that the player has not been convicted of any offence and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Ghana Sends Official Protest Note
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government was concerned by what it called Canada’s “high-handed and extremely unfair decision” to reject a visa application submitted by Partey.
The minister confirmed that Ghana had formally communicated its objections to Canadian authorities.
“Ghana has dispatched an official note of protest,” the statement said, adding that the government had requested Canada to review its decision.
The midfielder is considered a key member of Ghana’s national team and was expected to feature prominently during the World Cup campaign.
Visa Refusal Linked To Ongoing UK Trial
Partey, currently a midfielder for Villarreal CF and formerly of Arsenal FC, is facing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The 32-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022.
A trial has been scheduled for next year, meaning the legal proceedings will not interfere with his availability for the World Cup.
Ghana argues that Canada’s decision appears to rely on allegations that have not yet been tested in court.
Ghana Raises Concerns About Fairness
While acknowledging Canada’s right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana questioned whether denying entry based on unresolved criminal allegations was appropriate.
“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 foreign ministry said.
The issue has sparked debate over the balance between national immigration policies and the principle that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
FIFA Confirms Partey Will Miss Opening Match
According to FIFA, Partey will not be permitted to travel from Ghana’s World Cup base camp in Boston to Canada for the team’s opening Group L fixture against Panama national football team in Toronto on June 17.
His absence represents a significant setback for Ghana ahead of one of their most important group-stage matches.
Eligible For Matches In The United States
Although barred from entering Canada, Partey remains eligible to participate in Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches, both of which are scheduled to be played in the United States.
He is expected to be available for Ghana’s clashes against England national football team and Croatia national football team.
Those fixtures could prove decisive in determining whether Ghana advances to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Fresh Controversy At Expanded World Cup
The dispute comes during the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With matches spread across three countries, differing immigration rules and entry requirements have created new logistical challenges for participating teams and players.
For Ghana, the controversy surrounding Partey’s visa status has added an unexpected diplomatic dimension to their World Cup preparations, with the government now pressing Canada to reconsider its position before the tournament progresses further.