Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his team's FIFA World Cup opener against Panama in Canada after his visa application was denied by the Canadian government. FIFA confirmed the decision on Friday, stating that Partey, who is currently facing rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, will not be able to travel from Ghana's team base in Boston to Toronto for the match on June 17. FIFA clarified that it is not involved in visa adjudication, leaving the decision to host countries.
Partey, a former Arsenal player now with Villarreal, remains with the Ghana squad in Boston and will be eligible for subsequent Group L matches against England and Croatia. The 32-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were brought by London's Metropolitan Police. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz defended Partey's inclusion in the squad, citing the presumption of innocence and criticizing rapid judgments on social media.
The Canadian government has not publicly commented on the visa refusal. The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of Partey's legal situation, with five charges filed last July and two additional charges added this year. FIFA reiterated that host governments determine visa eligibility for World Cup events.