Ghana's Partey denied Canada visa for World Cup opener amid UK rape case

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is on conditional bail in Britain after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on August 5, 2025, on rape and sexual assault charges, lost a court bid to enter Canada for Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama. Canadian authorities denied his visa over the British case, blocking him from playing in the match on Wednesday. Ghana’s government filed an injunction in federal court the same Tuesday, but Judge Roger Lafreniere dismissed the challenge, as reported by CBC. Coach Carlos Queiroz said the Black Stars would be ready regardless, while Panama’s coach Thomas Christiansen insisted Ghana still has strong options. Ghana’s Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa called the decision “high‑handed and extremely unfair,” filed a formal protest with Ottawa, and described Partey as a key team member. Canada’s foreign ministry said it engages regularly with Ghana on consular matters but stressed that entry decisions are made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada based on individual facts and law. Partey faces seven rape charges and one sexual assault count linked to allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022; he denies all allegations. For African football fans, including Nigerians, this shows how off‑field legal troubles can sideline star players at crucial tournaments, affecting team dynamics and national pride. It also sparks conversation about accountability and the balance between supporting athletes and upholding justice. Stay informed about the case’s outcome in Britain and consider how such incidents influence perceptions of African representation in global sports.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/16/ghanas-partey-loses-bid-to-enter-canada-for-world-cup/