Ghana has filed a legal challenge against Canada’s refusal to grant midfielder Thomas Partey a visa, ruling him out of Wednesday’s World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto.
Partey, 33, faces trial next year in the UK after pleading not guilty to multiple rape and sexual assault charges. Ghana’s government called Canada’s decision “extremely unfair” and is seeking permission for him to enter briefly for the match.
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The hearing is set for 14:00 BST in Ottawa, while diplomatic efforts continue. Canada’s immigration authorities insist laws remain unchanged regardless of major events.
Partey, now at Villarreal, has over 50 caps for Ghana and was selected by coach Carlos Queiroz despite the ongoing case.
