Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey, who is currently facing rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has been refused entry to Canada and will be unable to take part in his team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable travel from Ghana's 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," said world football's governing body in a statement to media outlets including Reuters and The New York Times.
"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas," the statement added.
Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and the United States.What is Thomas Partey accused of?
Midfielder Partey, 32, was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London's Metropolitan Police. The charges date back to his time with current Premier League champions Arsenal.
