Thomas Partey has been refused entry to Canada forward of Ghana’s World Cup opener with Panama on Thursday – however he’s set to face England.
FIFA confirmed Partey was unable to journey from Ghana’s US base in Boston to Toronto with the remainder of his team-mates as his visa utility “has been refused by the Canadian government”.
The previous Arsenal midfielder, who now performs his membership soccer for Villarreal, is dealing with allegations of rape and sexual assault by 4 completely different ladies, who accuse him over incidents between 2020 and 2022. His trial will begin in June 2027. Partey denies the fees.
Partey is on bail in the course of the authorized proceedings, with a situation that he doesn’t contact alleged victims.
Because it stands, Partey, 32, is accessible to play in opposition to England in Ghana’s second Group L fixture, which takes place in Boston on Tuesday June 23. Ghana’s closing group recreation is with Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
FIFA mentioned: “FIFA is 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.”
A spokesperson for the Canadian authorities’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship division mentioned: “Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians.
“Canada has been constant that internet hosting main occasions doesn’t change Canada’s immigration legal guidelines.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.
“Beneath Canadian legislation, overseas nationals might be discovered inadmissible with out a overseas conviction.
“When there are reasonable grounds to believe an act that would trigger inadmissibility has been committed by an applicant, they can be deemed inadmissible to Canada.”
Sky Sports activities Information has contacted the Ghanaian FA for remark.
In an announcement to Sky Sports activities Information, the US Customs and Border Safety (CBP) workplace mentioned: “On June 3, 2026, CBP officers inspected and admitted Ghana national, Thomas Partey, into the United States.
“The. U.S. is conscious of the pending court docket case for Mr Partey, nevertheless, presently, he has not been convicted of a criminal offense and was admitted to the US after being issued a visa. All vacationers in search of entry into the US, together with athletes, coaches, and employees, are topic to CBP inspection.
“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 officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law. CBP’s defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry.”
The costs in opposition to Partey
Partey, who left Arsenal for Villarreal in June 2025, was charged in July 2025 with 5 counts of rape and one allegation of sexual assault, relationship again to 2021 and 2022.
In February this yr, it was introduced that Partey had been charged with two extra rape allegations relationship again to December 2020.
The footballer has appeared beforehand within the dock to plead not responsible to all fees – seven counts of rape and one rely of sexual assault.
The midfielder, who beforehand lived in Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a switch value round £45m.
The following listening to in his case has been set for October 2, 2026, with the trial set to start on June 8, 2027.
