Ghana Government Files Court Challenge Over Thomas Partey's World Cup Visa Denial

Ghana

The Ghanaian government has filed for a judicial review of Canada's visa refusal for Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey. The 33-year-old Villarreal...

90min.footballAI-assisted reporting

16 June 2026, 11:13 UTC3 min read

In short

The Ghanaian government has filed for a judicial review of Canada's visa refusal for Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey. The 33-year-old Villarreal player faces criminal proceedings in the UK and has been denied entry for the World Cup opener against Panama. A court hearing in Ottawa is set for Wednesday afternoon, with Ghana seeking a temporary permit or a new visa application. The case adds uncertainty to Ghana's Group L campaign, which also includes England and Croatia.

Ghana Takes Legal Action in Canada

The Ghanaian government has filed for a judicial review of Canada's decision to deny a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, throwing his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener into doubt. The hearing is scheduled for 14:00 BST (09:00 Eastern Time) in Ottawa, just hours before Ghana's Group L match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old's visa application was rejected due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations, involving four women, relate to incidents between 2020 and 2022, with a trial expected next year.

Government Condemns 'High-Handed' Decision

Ghana's foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, labelled the visa refusal "high-handed and extremely unfair" and confirmed that legal and diplomatic channels are being pursued simultaneously. The government is seeking a temporary entry permit for Partey to feature in the Panama fixture and has requested the Canadian court to instruct immigration authorities to accept a fresh visa application.

"Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws. Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies,"

said Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in a statement to the BBC.

Impact on Ghana's World Cup Campaign

Partey, who now plays for Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, has earned over 50 caps for the Black Stars since his debut in June 2016. Head coach Carlos Queiroz has publicly backed his selection, stating he had "no qualms" about including the midfielder despite the legal cloud. Ghana's group also includes England (Boston, 23 June) and Croatia (Philadelphia, 27 June), but they could return to Canada for a last-16 match if they finish second in Group L.

The court's decision will be pivotal—not only for Partey's immediate availability but also for the squad's morale and tactical setup. Losing an experienced midfielder at this late stage would be a significant blow to Queiroz's plans.

Key Takeaways

Ghana's government is challenging the visa denial of Thomas Partey in a Canadian court, with a hearing set for Wednesday afternoon.
Partey faces serious criminal charges in the UK, to which he has pleaded not guilty; a trial is expected next year.
The midfielder is currently unable to enter Canada, jeopardising his place in the World Cup opener against Panama.
Diplomatic efforts are also under way, as Ghana seeks a temporary entry permit or a new visa process.
The outcome could influence Ghana's tournament strategy and Partey's future international career.