A Canadian federal court denied an appeal Tuesday that would have allowed midfielder Thomas Partey to join the Ghana national team in Toronto for their World Cup opener on Wednesday.
Justice Roger Lafreniere heard the request Tuesday morning and rejected it later in the day, leaving Partey unable to enter Canada due to the country’s immigration law.
The Canadian government denied Partey’s initial visa application. The 32-year-old is awaiting trial in England, where he faces charges of rape and sexual assault. The former Arsenal star pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Ghana’s World Cup base camp is in Providence, R.I., and Partey has been with the team for training and preparations for matches.
Lafreniere stated that Partey failed to display grounds for emergency relief.
Canada stated that hosting the World Cup doesn’t mean making changes to long-standing immigration laws. The country also argued Partey shouldn’t receive special treatment just because he is a soccer player.
While stating his case, Partey said he would be monitored continuously by the Ghana Football Association and leave Canada with the team after the match.
“I have not been convicted of any offense. I have pleaded not guilty, and I remain presumed innocent,” Partey said.
Ghana faces Panama in Group L play on Wednesday. With the appeal denied, Partey would rejoin his team for its other Group L matches against England on June 23 in Foxborough, Mass., and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Prior to the decision being announced, Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz fielded questions about the situation at a press conference on Tuesday.
“My business, it is to play with the cards that I have in front of me,” Queiroz said.
Partey, who currently plays for Spain’s Villarreal, has scored 16 goals in 58 career caps for Ghana, including three goals during the 2026 World Cup qualifying process.
–Ian Quillen, Field Level Media
