Partey's World Cup Dream Threatened: Canada Visa Denial Ignites Fury, FIFA Responds
Ghana is embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with Canada following the denial of a visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey for the upcoming FIFA World Cup match against Panama. Citing ongoing legal proceedings in the UK, Canada's decision has been met with strong protest from Ghana, which argues it violates the principle of presumption of innocence and sets a troubling precedent for international sporting events. Despite FIFA's confirmation of Partey's absence, Ghana remains hopeful for a review, while the national team prepares to channel the setback into a stronger performance.
Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been significantly impacted by Canada's decision to deny a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, preventing him from joining his teammates for their opening Group H match against Panama. This refusal, based on inadmissibility provisions linked to ongoing criminal proceedings against Partey in the United Kingdom, has sparked a diplomatic row, with the Ghanaian government formally protesting the move as unfair, excessive, and contrary to the fundamental principle of presumption of innocence.
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has vehemently questioned the Canadian decision, highlighting that Partey was recently granted a visa to enter the United States, where he is currently training with the Ghana national team in Boston. Mr. Adams emphasized that Partey continues to travel freely across Europe and has not been restricted from entering other major jurisdictions despite the pending charges in the UK, where he is assumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. He noted that Partey continues to ply his trade as a footballer, fulfilling all bail conditions without impediment to his professional career or international travel, making Canada's stance particularly difficult to comprehend.
Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed