Ghana plans legal action after Canada denies entry to World Cup player
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Ghana plans legal action after Canada denies entry to World Cup player
Ghanaian government to pursue legal avenues
The government of Ghana announced on Saturday its intention to pursue legal action following Canada‘s decision to deny a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey. This denial prevents Partey from participating in the country’s opening World Cup match. Ghana described Canada’s decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair.”
Partey, who is 32 years old, has returned to the Ghana men’s national team base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island. He was refused entry into Canada for the match against Panama in Toronto, scheduled for Wednesday.
The midfielder has pleaded not guilty to multiple allegations from several women, which reportedly date back to his time with the English club Arsenal between 2020 and 2025. His trial is anticipated to begin in November or later.
Ghana’s government has stated that it “reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence.” This principle was also cited by coach Carlos Queiroz when he selected Partey for the World Cup squad.
Canada’s stance on immigration laws
While acknowledging Canada’s right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns. The ministry believes that relying on unproven charges, without a judicial determination, raises questions of fairness and proportionality. Consequently, Ghana is engaging in active diplomatic discussions with Canadian authorities regarding the matter.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated on Friday that decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The department emphasized that hosting major events does not alter Canada’s immigration laws. Canada is set to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and aims to facilitate a successful event while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians.
The statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada clarified that every individual seeking entry into Canada is assessed individually, based on available facts and applicable law. This position maintains that the country’s immigration laws remain consistent, regardless of major events.
Upcoming matches and legal challenges
Partey will be eligible to play on June 23 when Ghana faces England in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ghana is scheduled to conclude its group play on June 27 against Croatia in Philadelphia.
The Ghanaian government issued an “official note of protest” to Global Affairs Canada on Thursday. This note requested a review of what it termed Canada’s “unfortunate” decision. Ghana is exploring all diplomatic, legal, and administrative avenues under both Canadian and international law to have the decision rescinded.
These avenues include, where appropriate, a judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada. The aim is to ensure a full and fair consideration of all relevant legal and factual issues in accordance with due process. Ghana’s government also highlighted Partey’s selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the significant national and global sporting considerations involved, urging Canada to reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness and common law principles.
Partey’s lawyer indicated in March that the player intends to plead not guilty to two new rape charges. These new allegations followed a woman’s claim that Partey raped her twice on the same day in December 2020. Prior to this, he was awaiting trial on five counts of rape involving two other women and one count of sexual assault with another woman, with the new allegations emerging after the initial charges were made public.
FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, due to his visa application being refused by the Canadian government.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
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