Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied access to Canada and will miss his country’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto, Yankee Scores reports.
The player has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape on seven occasions as well as sexual assault on one occasion involving four different women in a span of two years between 2020 and 2022.
Partey, who is currently signed up with Spanish club Villarreal, will have to miss the match because he is currently at Ghana’s training camp in Boston following the refusal of his visa application by the Canadian government.
FIFA’s Response
“Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.
“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Canadian Immigration Act
On the Canadian government website, rules around visiting the country state: “If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
However, no charge has been proven by any court and no convictions have been made against Partey yet, per BBC Sports.
The US Customs and Border Protection official added: “The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey, however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa.
“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.
“CBP [customs and border protection] officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law. CBP defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry. “
