Overview
- FIFA confirmed Friday that Canada refused Partey’s visa, which means he cannot travel from Ghana’s U.S. base to Toronto for the June 17 opening match against Panama.
- Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, has pleaded not guilty, remains on bail with travel-notification conditions, and has a trial set for mid-2027.
- He was granted a U.S. visa and stays with the Ghana squad in Rhode Island, making him eligible for Ghana’s group matches in Boston on June 23 and Philadelphia on June 27.
- The Government of Ghana has publicly criticised Canada’s decision and says it is seeking options to enable Partey’s travel, raising a diplomatic element to the dispute.
- Canadian immigration officials decide admissibility under domestic law and may deny entry if an officer judges a person could pose a security risk, a rule that could again affect Partey if Ghana plays later matches in Canadian venues.