Footballer facing multiple rape charges denied visa for World Cup game
A Ghanaian footballer will not take the field in his nation’s World Cup opener after he was denied entry into Canada as he awaits trial on multiple rape charges.
Midfielder Thomas Partey, 32, will not be able to travel from his team’s base camp in Rhode Island for Ghana’s opening match with Panama in Toronto next Thursday after his visa application was denied while he awaits his trial in London.
Thomas Partey will not be able to make his World Cup 2026 debut until June 24. Ryan Hiscott
Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one of sexual assault.
The charges relate to allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022, when he played club football for English giants Arsenal.
“His visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” FIFA said in a statement.
“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.”
In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said that everybody wishing to enter the country is assessed “based on the facts available and the law that applies”.
“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,” the IRCC said.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.”
The 32-year-old will be able to play when Ghana plays in the US against England in Massachusetts on June 24 and against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 28.
The midfielder, who now plays in Spain for Villarreal, is set to stand trial as early as November.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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