Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign in Toronto without Thomas Partey after Canadian authorities denied the midfielder entry.
BBC reported that the 32-year-old’s visa application was turned down by the Canadian government, ruling him out of the opening match against Panama. He remains with the Black Stars’ training camp in Boston and cannot join the team for the fixture.
Partey, now with Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, is facing court charges. He has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to four women between 2020 and 2022. His trial is set for next year and he has not been convicted.
Fifa said it does not control immigration decisions, noting that host countries alone decide who enters their borders. Canada’s immigration rules block entry for anyone charged with or convicted of serious crimes. Partey denies all allegations and is awaiting trial.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz defended the selection before the tournament, saying: “If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. He is here so what are we talking about? Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.”