Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey denied Canadian visa over sexual assault charges

Ghanaian national football team star Thomas Partey has been denied a visa to enter Canada for the 2026 World Cup due to pending sexual assault charges in the UK. FIFA confirmed the decision, stating that host countries have the final say on immigration. Partey, currently on bail, was able to enter the US for pre-tournament training but faces potential re-entry issues if Ghana advances to matches held in Canada.

Thomas Partey, a former Arsenal player now with Spanish club Villarreal, has been denied a visa by the Canadian government due to his involvement in a sexual assault case, ruling him out of Ghana's opening 2026 World Cup group stage match against Panama in Toronto.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian star midfielder, a key player for the national team, was unable to travel from the team's base in Boston, USA, to Canada after his visa application was rejected, FIFA confirmed in a statement. FIFA emphasized that final visa decisions and entry permissions are solely determined by the host government, and the tournament does not interfere with national immigration review processes.

Partey's entry denial stems from serious criminal charges. Since July 2025, London police have accused him of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against four women, accumulating to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Although Partey has fully denied all allegations and the trial is not expected to begin until early 2027, meaning he is not yet convicted, these charges have crossed Canada's immigration red line.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a firm statement, asserting that even as a host nation, Canada's immigration enforcement and regulations remain steadfast. Canadian officials conduct individual case assessments based on national law, and if an individual is deemed a potential risk to national security or public safety, entry will be strictly denied regardless of their nationality or celebrity status.

In contrast to Canada's stringent approach, the other two co-host nations, the United States and Mexico, have more lenient regulations. As Partey is currently out on bail and has received permission to travel abroad after notifying British authorities, he has successfully entered the US and participated in pre-tournament training with his teammates in locations such as Washington and Rhode Island.

Ghana is in Group L and is scheduled to play its first group match against Panama in Toronto on the 17th of this month, with Partey confirmed to be absent. Following the match against Panama, Ghana will face England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia, respectively, both matches taking place within the United States, where Partey is eligible to play. However, if Ghana advances to the round of 32 as a third-place finisher, they might potentially play in Vancouver, Canada, where the star player could once again face an entry ban.