Ghanaian Government Fights for Former Arsenal Player's World Cup Participation as Canadian Court Addresses Denied Visa

Pulse Sports Team 17:26 - 16 June 2026

A Canadian court in Ottawa was set to hear the case of Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey on Tuesday, after local authorities denied him a visa for the World Cup. The 33-year-old midfielder is unable to feature in Ghana's opening match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.

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The Ghanaian government has requested a review of the case, seeking a court order for Canadian immigration authorities to allow Partey to reapply for a visa. According to Canadian public broadcaster CBC, the hearing was scheduled for Tuesday morning local time, though its duration remains unknown.

The former Arsenal player's visa issues are linked to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Partey denies seven charges of rape and one of sexual assault. The allegations involve four women and alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. His trial is set to begin next year. This information was reported by DPA news agency.