Partey’s visa denial challenged in court by GhanaImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Partey previously represented Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in QatarByElizabeth BotcherbyBBC Sport journalistPublished16 June 2026, 11:15 BSTA Canadian court has heard an appeal against the decision not to grant Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey a visa.Partey is set to miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after being denied entry to Canada.
The 33-year-old’s visa issues relate to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK.
Partey pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022 and is due to stand trial next year.
The Ghanaian government, which labelled the decision “high-handed and extremely unfair”, is seeking permission for Partey to enter Canada briefly to take part in Ghana’s match.
It has also asked the court to instruct Canadian immigration authorities to allow Partey to submit a new visa application.
The appeal hearing took place at a federal court in Ottawa on Tuesday.
Ghana’s foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reported the country is also exploring diplomatic means to secure a Canadian visa for the former Arsenal player.
It is unclear how long the court proceedings will take.
