Thomas Partey Appeals Canada Entry Denial for World Cup

Ghana’s Thomas Partey appeals a Canadian court’s decision to deny him entry for the World Cup amid unresolved serious charges.

An appeal regarding the denial of entry to Canada for Ghana’s midfielder Thomas Partey is set to be heard at an Ottawa court on Tuesday. The situation arose after it was revealed that the 33-year-old would not be participating in his team’s opening match against Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field due to this ruling.

The basis of the entry denial, as stated by a government release from Ghana on Saturday, is linked to pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom where no conviction has been established. Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police in July 2025. Following these incidents, he pleaded not guilty in September of the same year. His legal troubles escalated further in February of this year with two additional rape charges, which he also denied.

The Ghanaian government has expressed its intention to challenge Canada’s ruling in court, labeling the decision as “extremely unfair.” A court document from Ottawa identifies the case format as an “immediate appeal for leave and judicial review,” which originates outside of Canada, reflecting the complexity of the legal circumstances surrounding the case.

The Ghana Football Association has been reached for comments about the situation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada was also contacted for a statement regarding their decision.

In a statement issued by Ghana’s foreign minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, via X, the government conveyed their commitment to pursue active diplomatic engagements, claiming that the ruling raised crucial concerns over fairness and proportionality.

Partey was included in Ghana’s squad for the World Cup tournament, which is being jointly held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He joined his teammates in Washington D.C. on June 4, ahead of their training in Rhode Island a few days later.

The Ghana team is scheduled to play their opening match on Wednesday against Panama. Following this game, they will face England at the Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23, and Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27. If Ghana succeeds in advancing through the group stage as one of the best third-place finishers, they may compete in the round of 32 in Vancouver.