Thomas Partey has been refused entry to Canada ahead of Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto next week. FIFA confirmed that the midfielder could not travel from Ghana's US base in Boston to Toronto with his teammates because his visa application was denied by the Canadian government.
Background of the Case
The former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault from four women, with incidents alleged between 2020 and 2022. His trial is scheduled to start in June 2027. Partey denies all charges and is currently on bail, with a condition not to contact the alleged victims.
Current Status
Partey, 32, remains available to play against England in Ghana's second Group L fixture in Boston on June 23, and against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. FIFA stated it is not involved in host countries' immigration processes, and the host government ultimately decides visa issuance.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed Partey was admitted to the United States on June 3, 2026, as he has not been convicted of a crime. CBP noted that admissibility decisions are made case-by-case and deferred to Canada regarding his denial of entry.
Legal Proceedings
Partey was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. In February 2026, additional charges of two rape allegations from December 2020 were added. He has pleaded not guilty to all seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The next hearing is set for October 2, 2026, with the trial beginning June 8, 2027.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million and left for Villarreal in June 2025. He previously lived in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.
