TORONTO (AP) — Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in any team games. world cup Wednesday opener as Canada rejects visa application while waiting trial in london on multiple rape charges.
FIFA announced in a statement Friday that Partey, 32, will be unable to travel from the team’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for Ghana’s season opener against Panama in Toronto.
“His visa application has been rejected by the Canadian government,” the International Football Federation said in a statement. “FIFA is not involved in the host country’s entry procedures, including visa checks. As with previous FIFA events, the host country’s government ultimately decides who receives a visa and is allowed entry.”
The Ghana Football Association did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement that all people seeking to enter Canada will be considered on an individual basis “based on the available facts and applicable law.”
“Canada is proud to be the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is committed to the success of the tournament while keeping Canadians safe and secure,” IRCC said in a statement. “Canada has consistently maintained that hosting large-scale events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.”
Partey was on his way back to Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island after his visa was denied. He will be available for Ghana’s match against England on June 23 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ghana concludes group play against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
party He is scheduled to go on trial in November on charges dating back to his time at English club Arsenal from 2020 to 2025. Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal in Spain, has pleaded not guilty.
Players participating in the World Cup for the second time, Morocco national team defender Achraf Hakimiis awaiting trial on similar charges in Paris.
This will be Ghana’s fifth appearance in the last six World Cups.
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