Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied a visa to enter Canada for Ghana’s opening FIFA World Cup match, world football governing body FIFA confirmed on Friday.
In a statement, FIFA said Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, United States, to Canada for the Group L clash against Panama on June 17 after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the organisation said.
FIFA stressed that it does not play any role in the immigration decisions of host countries.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” it said.
“As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Despite missing the match in Canada, Partey is expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining group-stage fixtures against England and Croatia, both of which are scheduled to take place in the United States.
The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal, is facing trial in the United Kingdom on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022.
Partey has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. He is due to stand trial next year.
AFP
