NEW YORK: Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not take part in their World Cup game against Panama on Wednesday after his visa application to enter Canada was refused, FIFA said on Friday. “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,” FIFA said in a statement to Reuters.

Thomas Partey, who used to play for Arsenal, faces several counts of rape in London.

While FIFA confirmed the visa denial, it did not immediately provide detailed reasons for the Canadian authorities’ decision.