Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey (5) will not play in a World Cup group stage match against Panama on Wednesday in Toronto. Photo by Mohamed Messara/EPA
June 12 (UPI) -- Canada denied Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey's visa, which will keep him from playing in a World Cup game next week against Panama, FIFA said Friday.
The 32-year-old was initially set to stand trial in November after pleading not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. Four women made the allegations between 2020 and 2022. His trial is now expected to be delayed until 2027.
"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base camp in Boston to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday ...as 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."
