Canadian Court Rejects Thomas Partey's Appeal Over Visa Refusal

A Canadian federal court has dismissed an appeal by Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey against a decision denying him a visa to enter the country for the Black Stars' opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The ruling means Partey will be unavailable for Ghana's Group L fixture against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after failing to overturn the Canadian government's decision.

Reports indicated that Federal Court Judge Roger Lafreniere rejected the application for urgent relief sought by the player and his legal team.

Partey, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal, was ruled inadmissible by Canadian immigration authorities because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

Canadian law allows immigration officials to deny entry where there are reasonable grounds to believe a foreign national may be inadmissible, even if no conviction has been secured.

The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in Britain and has consistently denied the allegations against him. His trial is pending.

Ghana's government and the Ghana Football Association had challenged the visa refusal, arguing that Partey should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The matter was taken to Canada's Federal Court in Ottawa in an attempt to secure his participation in the World Cup opener.

According to reports, Partey's lawyer, Mackeda Bramwell, confirmed after the ruling that there would be no further appeal.

The decision brings an end to a legal and diplomatic dispute that emerged after Canada refused the midfielder entry despite FIFA naming him in Ghana's World Cup squad.

FIFA has maintained that immigration decisions are solely the responsibility of host governments and that the world football governing body does not intervene in visa determinations.

While Partey cannot enter Canada, he remains eligible to travel to the United States, where Ghana's remaining group-stage matches against England and Croatia are scheduled to take place.

The ruling is a significant setback for Ghana, with Partey regarded as one of the team's most experienced players heading into the tournament.

However, coach Carlos Queiroz has said the Black Stars are prepared for their opening match regardless of the outcome of the visa case.