Ghana lodges formal protest over Canada's visa denial to Thomas Partey

In a statement, Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed Ghana's concerns regarding what he termed "the high-handed and profoundly unjust decision" to deny a visa to Partey, who is "a vital player for Ghana's senior national team."

He stated that "Ghana has sent a formal note of protest" to Canada, and that the "note also asks Canada to reconsider its regrettable decision."

The Villarreal midfielder, a former Arsenal player, has entered a plea of not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, arising from allegations made by four separate women between 2020 and 2022.

A trial is scheduled for next year, meaning the 32-year-old can still play for Ghana at the World Cup. However, he will not take part in Wednesday's game in Toronto.

The statement went on: "While we respect Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana believes that using unproven allegations without a court ruling raises serious questions about fairness and proportionality."

FIFA has confirmed that Partey cannot travel from Ghana's squad base in Boston to Canada for their opening fixture against Panama on June 17th.

The 32-year-old will be available for Ghana's remaining Group L matches against England and Croatia, both of which will be held in the United States.