Ghana’s government says it will formally urge Canada to review its decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sports Minister Kofi Adams confirmed Friday, that Ghana has engaged the appropriate diplomatic channels and requested Canadian authorities reconsider the decision, which prevents Partey from travelling to Toronto for Ghana’s Group L opener against Panama on Wednesday.

Canada denied the 33-year-old a visa after considering charges he faces in the United Kingdom. Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police and is awaiting trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Adams criticised the decision, arguing that Partey has not been convicted of any offence and remains a free citizen in the United Kingdom while legal proceedings continue. He described the grounds for the refusal as inadequate and said Ghana believes the move contradicts international legal principles.

A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada defended the decision, stating that all visa applications are assessed individually based on available facts and applicable laws.

FIFA has also backed Canada’s right to determine who is granted entry into the country, reaffirming that visa decisions remain under the authority of national governments.

Partey remains with Ghana’s squad at its training base in Boston as efforts continue to overturn the decision. After facing Panama in Toronto, Ghana will return to the United States for group-stage matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.

Should Ghana advance to the knockout stages as Group L runners-up, the team could be required to return to Canada for a round-of-16 fixture in Toronto on July 2.

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