Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial on rape charges in Britain, lost a court challenge on Tuesday that would have allowed him to enter Canada for his side's World Cup opener in Toronto.

The Athletic revealed on Friday that Partey, 33, would not be allowed to feature in his side's opening game of the tournament in Toronto.

A Canadian federal judge has rejected Ghana’s bid to get Thomas Partey into the country for the team’s first World Cup match while the midfielder awaits trial on rape charges.