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Canada is facing strong criticism from Ghana after authorities in Ottawa denied footballer Thomas Partey entry into the country, prompting accusations of breaching international law. The Ghanaian government has vowed to contest the decision, which has left the midfielder unable to join his national team for their 2026 World Cup opener against Panama.

The Villarreal star, who was slated to captain his side in the Group L clash, remains stranded at Ghana’s training base in Boston after his Canadian visa application was rejected due to ongoing legal proceedings related to rape charges in the United Kingdom.

Ghana condemns 'unjust' treatment

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly criticised the move, labelling it “high-handed and extremely unfair.” Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, was denied entry on Friday, casting serious doubt over his participation in the match against Panama. He is currently facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, brought forward by London’s Metropolitan Police.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry said: “The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada. While recognising Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality. Accordingly, Ghana is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities on this matter.”

Diplomatic tensions rise over visa refusal

Ghana’s government has maintained its position, arguing that Canada’s decision sets a troubling precedent by basing immigration rulings on allegations that have yet to be proven in court. Sports Minister Kofi Adams spoke out in support of the 33-year-old midfielder, asserting that Canada had overreached in its actions. Speaking to Channel One TV, Adams said: “If any Ghanaian is touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it. Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting for them to use all processes to review and give opportunity for a review of such a decision that we think frowns on international laws and conventions, which both Ghana and Canada are party to. We think it's appropriate to get the appropriate authorities to review this decision. We've taken it to that level, and we hope and pray that they do what they must do.”

Canada and FIFA uphold the travel restriction

Despite increasing diplomatic pressure from Accra, Canadian officials have remained resolute. A representative from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated that the country follows a consistent framework when assessing border security and admissibility cases. The office of Minister Lena Diab confirmed to ESPN that the visa rejection was based on “the facts available and the law that applies.”

FIFA has also backed Canada’s stance, affirming that host nations retain the authority to set their own visa and entry policies during international tournaments. However, Minister Adams has dismissed the reasoning as “flimsy,” pointing out that Partey continues to live and work freely in England while awaiting trial.

Shadow over Ghana’s World Cup campaign

The Black Stars are scheduled to play Panama on Wednesday, but the ongoing diplomatic dispute has unsettled the team’s preparations. Although Partey cannot travel to Canada, he remains part of the Ghanaian squad in the United States, where the team will play their remaining Group L matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia later this month.

The situation could grow even more complex if Ghana advances beyond the group stage. Should the team finish second, they are due to return to Toronto for a knockout fixture on July 2. The Ghanaian authorities continue to appeal to Canada “to rescind its decision in the interest of fairness and the core principles of common law,” as they seek a resolution before the crucial stages of the tournament.