Ghana’s World Cup opener just lost its most experienced midfielder. Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal standout now playing for Villarreal, has been denied entry into Canada ahead of Ghana’s first group-stage match against Panama on June 17. The reason: he faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, with a trial pending. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The visa rejection came from Canadian immigration authorities, not FIFA. In a short statement, the world soccer body made clear it had no role in the decision. “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the statement read. “As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
How This Shakes Up Ghana’s Plans
Ghana had been training on Rhode Island and was due to fly to Canada early next week. Now, head coach Chris Hughton must recalibrate his midfield without Partey, who was expected to anchor the team against Panama. The Black Stars are still in Group G alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, and every point matters in a group that feels wide open.
Partey was granted a U.S. visa before the tournament, which means he can still play in Ghana’s remaining group matches — against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. But for the opener, he will be stuck stateside, watching from a hotel room or the stands.
What This Means for the Bigger Picture
The legal cloud has followed Partey since July 2022, when the Metropolitan Police first charged him. He has maintained his innocence, but the allegations have already cost him endorsements and public goodwill. Now, they are affecting his ability to travel for his national team on the world’s biggest stage.
Canada’s strict immigration policies regarding individuals with pending criminal charges are well-documented, and this decision was not unexpected within Ghanaian soccer circles. The team has not commented publicly on the situation beyond confirming the visa denial, but fans online noted the irony of a player cleared to enter the United States — the country hosting the majority of the tournament — being blocked from crossing into Canada for a single game.
What’s Next for Partey and Ghana
For now, Ghana will likely start a younger midfielder like Salis Abdul Samed or Elisha Owusu in Partey’s place. The team’s preparation has been disrupted, but the squad has rallied around the idea that no one player is bigger than the group.
Partey remains in legal limbo awaiting trial, with no date set. His career continues, but the line between his on-field value and off-field allegations grows thinner by the week. For Ghana, the immediate challenge is beating Panama without him. The longer-term question is harder to answer.
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