The Government of Ghana has taken legal action against Canada after authorities denied midfielder Thomas Partey a visa ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The case is scheduled to be heard in an Ottawa court on Tuesday as Ghana seeks an urgent ruling that could allow the 33-year-old to join the Black Stars during the tournament.
Partey has already been ruled out of Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama after Canadian immigration officials rejected his visa application due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The former Arsenal midfielder has pleaded not guilty to seven rape charges and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is expected to stand trial next year.
Ghanaian authorities described Canada’s decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” insisting that the midfielder should be allowed temporary entry strictly for football-related duties during the competition.
As part of the legal challenge, Ghana is asking the court to permit Partey’s temporary admission into Canada and direct immigration authorities to accept a fresh visa application from the player.
The hearing is expected to begin at 14:00 BST (09:00 local time in Ottawa), although it remains uncertain whether a final decision will be reached quickly enough for Partey to feature in the tournament.
Beyond the courtroom, Ghana is also pursuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the government is exploring every available avenue to ensure the midfielder can join the national team before the group stage concludes.
The visa controversy comes as a major setback for Ghana, who now face the possibility of navigating the World Cup without one of their most experienced and influential players unless the court rules in their favour.
