Partey denied entry to Canada ahead of Ghana’s World Cup opener

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has reportedly been denied entry into Canada ahead of the Black Stars’ opening fixture at the FIFA World Cup.

According to reports by The Athletic, Canadian authorities declined to grant a visa to the former Arsenal FC player due to the sexual assault charges he is currently facing in the United Kingdom.

Canada’s immigration regulations prohibit the entry of foreign nationals facing serious criminal indictments, a policy that reportedly informed the decision.

The Black Stars are currently holding their training camp in Boston and are expected to travel to Canada ahead of their opening World Cup clash against Panama national football team.

While Partey is permitted to train with the squad in the United States, he will be unable to cross into Canada for the June 18 fixture scheduled at BMO Field in Toronto.

The midfielder left the UK in 2025 to join Villarreal CF after allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted several women during his time in London.

Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women. He has denied all allegations and entered not-guilty pleas to every charge.

His trial, which was initially scheduled to be heard at Southwark Crown Court, has been postponed until June 2027 following a ruling by a UK High Court judge.