Ghanaian Government Issues Official Statement Supporting Thomas Partey After Visa Denial

The Ghanaian government has issued an official statement after Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada ahead of the World Cup. The midfielder faces a trial in the UK after pleading not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. However, the trial is not set to begin until next year, which allowed the national team coach to include the player in the World Cup squad.

In its statement, Ghanaian authorities described Canada's decision as "extremely unfair" and expressed "serious reservations" about the reasons for the visa denial.

"The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of presumption of innocence – a cornerstone of due process in democratic societies. While respecting Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana believes that invoking unproven allegations in the absence of a judicial decision raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality," the statement further read.

Accra emphasized that the accusations against Partey have not yet resulted in a conviction or a judicial finding of guilt. The former Arsenal midfielder will be able to join the "Black Stars" squad for the remaining two group stage matches – against England in Boston and against Croatia in Philadelphia – as he possesses a US visa.

All matches from the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico can be watched live on bnt.sportal.bg.