Thomas Partey prevented from playing in the World Cup due to Canada's veto

The Government of Ghana has criticized as "arrogant and extremely unfair" Canada's decision to deny a visa to Ghanaian international Thomas Partey, preventing his participation in the match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto. The Ghanaian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the presumption of innocence and criticized the use of unsubstantiated accusations to veto the player from the 'Black Stars' in the game.

Diplomatic efforts and protests

Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has initiated urgent diplomatic efforts and sent an official protest note to the Canadian Foreign Ministry demanding the immediate revocation of the measure. FIFA announced that Partey will not be able to travel from Ghana's base in Boston to Canada due to the rejection of his visa application by Canadian authorities.

Legal situation and reactions

Partey, a player for Villarreal, has been accused of seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022, pleading not guilty and awaiting trial. Canadian television network Sportsnet pointed out that Canadian immigration regulations allow entry denial to individuals deemed a security risk or with criminal records.

The midfielder's absence poses a significant setback for Ghana, as Partey is a key player with 58 caps for the 'Black Stars' and was part of the team in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Thomas Partey, impedido de jugar en el Mundial por veto de Canadá