Canada denies Thomas Partey entry ahead of Ghana’s World Cup opener
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed to AS that the midfielder will not be available for Ghana’s opening game against Panama.
Another major off-field story has hit the World Cup.
It emerged on Friday that Canada has denied entry to Thomas Partey. The Ghana international and Villarreal midfielder will be required to remain with his team’s training base in Boston and will be unavailable for Ghana’s opening match against Panama on June 17 in Group L.
Partey is facing multiple ongoing legal cases involving allegations of rape dating back to his time in London. Because of that situation, Canadian authorities have denied his visa application and barred him from entering the country.
After the Panama game, Ghana will return to the United States for its remaining two group-stage matches and, unless circumstances change, the midfielder is expected to be eligible to play in those games.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the news to AS and emphasized that immigration matters fall outside the governing body’s authority. FIFA does not regulate visa processes and has no final say over entry permits, which remain the responsibility of host nations, as is the case at all FIFA tournaments.
A World Cup of visa issues
Visa-related problems have become a major talking point during the opening days of the tournament and in the lead-up to kickoff.
Earlier, 500 Ivory Coast fans were denied entry to the United States, while a Somali referee appointed by FIFA was also deemed ineligible to enter the country.
The latest development adds to the significant difficulties faced by the Iran and Iraq delegations as they traveled to their respective training camps.
It is a serious issue, one that had been flagged months ago but for which no comprehensive solution has yet been found.
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