Thomas Partey Denied Entry into Canada for Ghana’s World Cup Opener Due to Rape Charges

The 32-year-old was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025 by London’s Metropolitan Police.

In September, he pleaded not guilty but has since been charged with two new counts of rape in February this year, to which he pleaded not guilty in April.

According to The Athletic, he has now been refused entry into Canada as they prepare for their opening match at BMO Field against Panama on Wednesday (June 17).

The Canadian government website states that, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed to enter Canada.” Partey has been charged but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

Partey continues to deny all charges.

Partey, who is part of Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, has been with the Black Stars since the training camp began in late May in Cardiff.

The former Arsenal midfielder captained the team in the pre-tournament friendly against Wales, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ahead of the Wales match, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz was asked if he had concerns about the midfielder’s selection. The Portuguese coach said: “If the player is here with me, my answer is clear.

“I have no comments about my own decisions. He is here, so what are we discussing?

“This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.

“Let the events take their normal course; let the river flow, and one day when the river meets the ocean, we will find the truth.”

Earlier this week, the Ghana Football Association’s communications director stated they support Partey when asked about England players potentially ignoring the midfielder during the pre-match handshake.

“We have absolute confidence in what our player has told us. We have supported him right from the very beginning,” he told 3Sports.

“Partey knows that we have been with him, toe to toe, shoulder to shoulder. We believe in what his legal team has told us. He has our support.”

Ghana arrived at their base camp in Rhode Island on June 11 and will leave for Canada on June 15 ahead of their June 17 opener against Panama.

Queiroz will now have to devise a plan without Partey for the match against Panama and potentially some knockout games at the World Cup.

This is due to the fact that Ghana could return to Canada if they qualify for the knockout stage, depending on where they finish in Group L.