Ghana lodges complaint with Canada over visa rejection for soccer star Partey ahead of World Cup

Ghana has formally submitted a protest to Canada regarding the denial of a visa for Thomas Partey, a Ghanaian player facing rape charges in Britain, to participate in the World Cup.

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Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed Ghana's dissatisfaction with Canada's decision, describing it as "high-handed and extremely unfair" towards Partey, a key player in Ghana's senior national team.

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Ghana has sent an official note of protest to Canada, requesting a review of the decision to reject Partey's visa application, as stated by the Foreign Minister.

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Partey, a midfielder for Villarreal and former Arsenal player, has pleaded not guilty to seven rape charges and one count of sexual assault, with a trial scheduled for next year, stemming from allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022.

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A trial date has been set for next year, allowing the 32-year-old to participate in the World Cup, but he will not participate in the match against Canada on Wednesday.

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Ghana respects Canada's right to enforce its immigration laws but questions the fairness of relying on unproven charges without a judicial determination, according to the statement.

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FIFA has confirmed that Partey will not be able to travel to Canada for Ghana's opening match against Panama on June 17, due to the visa denial.

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Partey will be eligible to play in Ghana's subsequent Group L matches against England and Croatia, both of which will take place in the United States.