The Government of Ghana has filed for a judicial review following Canada’s refusal to grant a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, with the case now set to be heard in court in Ottawa.
Partey is expected to miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after being denied entry into Canada over ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder is facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial next year.
Ghanaian authorities have described Canada’s decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” and are seeking permission for the player to enter the country temporarily to feature in the match. The government is also asking the court to direct Canadian immigration authorities to allow him to submit a fresh visa application.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said diplomatic efforts are also underway to secure approval for Partey’s entry into Canada.
The hearing on the matter is scheduled for 14:00 BST (09:00 ET) in Ottawa, though it remains unclear how long the proceedings will last.
In response, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada maintained that its visa decisions are guided strictly by law and assessed individually, adding that hosting major tournaments does not alter immigration rules.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies,” the agency said.
Partey, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, has earned over 50 caps for Ghana since his international debut in 2016.
Ghana are also set to face England in Boston on 23 June and Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June, with a possible return to Canada in the knockout stage if they progress from Group L.
