Thomas Partey is set to miss Ghana’s first World Cup game in Toronto as he has been denied entry to Canada.
The former Arsenal midfielder, now of Villarreal, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025 by London’s Metropolitan Police. In September of that year, he pleaded not guilty. He was charged with two new counts of rape in February this year, to which he pleaded not guilty in April.
A FIFA statement to The Athletic said: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
The Canadian government website outlines that, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” Partey has been charged, but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault will be tried at Southwark Crown Court, London. The trial was originally scheduled for November, but may now be delayed until early 2027. Under the conditions of his bail, Partey is obliged to notify authorities of any plans to travel abroad.
The initial six charges, which relate to three women, are alleged to have taken place in 2021 and 2022. Detectives at the Metropolitan Police began their investigation into Partey in February 2022 when they received a report of alleged rape. The two further charges relate to a fourth woman after a separate report of non-recent offences in 2020, following a new investigation by the Met. These allegations were first reported topolice in August 2025.
Partey continued to play for Arsenal until the end of his contract, making 35 Premier League appearances in the 2024-25 season, his last at the Emirates Stadium. Partey played 32 times for Villarreal during the 2025-26 domestic season. His contract with the Spanish club expires at the end of June, though there is a one-year extension option.
Saharafootball.net understands that the Ghana Football Association is set to appeal the decision.
Source : The Athletic
