Ghana star Thomas Partey misses World Cup opener as Canada denies him visa amid UK rape charges

TORONTO, June 13 — Thomas Partey, who is facing trial in Britain on rape charges, will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama after Canadian authorities denied him a visa, Fifa said on Friday.

The Villarreal midfielder, who previously played for Arsenal, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022.

A trial has been set for next year, allowing the 32-year-old to represent Ghana at the World Cup, but he will not be involved in Wednesday’s match in Toronto.

“Fifa can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, US, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” world football’s governing body said.

Fifa said it was “not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas”.

“As with previous Fifa events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country,” it added.

Canadian immigration chiefs said it was not possible to provide details on individual cases, adding that the safety of citizens was its priority.

“That is why IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Canada) applies its rules consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile, or role in the tournament,” said a statement from the IRCC.

“IRCC officers are trained decision-makers who assess an individual’s eligibility and admissibility in accordance with Canadian immigration laws.

“If they believe that an individual could pose a security risk, they may decide to deny them entry.”

It is understood that Partey will be eligible to play in Ghana’s subsequent Group L games against England and Croatia, which will both take place in the United States.

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million (US$60 million; RM287.40 million).

He left the London club in June 2025 after making 167 appearances and has won more than 50 caps for Ghana. — AFP