Partey Canada visa rejection leaves Ghana without the experienced midfielder for their opening World Cup match against Panama

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama after Canadian authorities denied his visa application, preventing him from entering the country for the fixture.

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The 32-year-old Villarreal player had been expected to travel with the Ghana squad from its training base in Boston ahead of the Group-stage encounter in Toronto.

However, the midfielder was unable to secure entry clearance from Canadian immigration authorities, ruling him out of the highly anticipated opener.

FIFA confirmed the development on Friday, stressing that immigration decisions remain the responsibility of host governments and fall outside the governing body’s authority.

“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the organisation said in a statement.

“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

The Partey Canada Visa Rejection is a significant setback for Ghana, which had hoped to rely on the experienced midfielder’s leadership and composure in the centre of the pitch during the tournament.

Partey remains one of Ghana’s most influential players and was expected to play a key role in the Black Stars’ campaign.

The visa decision comes as the player continues to face legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year.

Neither Canadian authorities nor FIFA provided additional details regarding the specific reasons for the visa refusal.

Ghana’s coaching staff are now expected to revise their tactical plans ahead of the clash with Panama, with potential changes to the midfield likely before kick-off.

The absence of Partey could prove a major challenge for the Black Stars as they seek a positive start to their World Cup campaign in a competitive group-stage contest.

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Team officials have yet to indicate whether a replacement will be called up or whether adjustments will be made from within the existing squad.