2026 World Cup: Ghana Takes Canada To Court Over Thomas Partey Visa Refusal

Ghana’s government has taken legal action against Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa, with a court hearing scheduled in Ottawa later today, June 16, as officials seek to overturn the ruling before the country’s opening World Cup match.

Naija News reports that Thomas Partey is expected to miss Ghana’s Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after Canadian authorities refused him entry.

Partey, a 33-year-old Villarreal midfielder, is facing ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. His trial is due to begin next year.

Ghana’s government has strongly criticised the visa refusal, describing it as “high-handed and extremely unfair”.

The case will be heard at 14:00 BST (09:00 local time) in Ottawa. Ghana is seeking permission for Partey to enter Canada temporarily to participate in the match against Panama.

Government lawyers have also requested that the court direct Canadian immigration authorities to allow the former Arsenal player to submit a fresh visa application.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the government is pursuing diplomatic efforts in conjunction with the legal challenge to secure Partey’s entry into Canada.

The duration of the court proceedings remains unclear, leaving uncertainty over whether a decision will be reached before kick-off.

Responding to the controversy, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada told the BBC: “Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.

“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”

Partey has made more than 50 appearances for Ghana since his international debut in June 2016 and remains a key figure in the squad despite the legal issues surrounding him.

Ahead of the tournament, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said he had no concerns about selecting the midfielder.

Following the Panama fixture, Ghana are scheduled to face England in Boston on 23 June and Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. They could return to Canada in the knockout stage should they qualify as runners-up from Group L.