UMVA has learned that Ghana’s midfield dynamo Thomas Partey will miss the nation’s World Cup debut after Canadian officials denied his entry.
The 32‑year‑old, who recently swapped Arsenal for Villarreal, arrived in Boston with his teammates to finalize preparations, only to discover his visa request had been rejected.
Authorities in Canada refused the travel document, leaving Partey stranded in the United States and unable to join the squad for Thursday’s clash with Panama in Toronto.
Legal troubles have shadowed the Ghanaian star for months. He faced five rape charges and a sexual‑assault count last summer, entered pleas of not guilty, and was later hit with two additional rape accusations, which he also denied.
FIFA confirmed the visa denial, stressing that immigration decisions rest solely with host‑nation governments and that the organization plays no role in adjudicating such matters.
Ghana’s schedule now hinges on the remaining fixtures: a high‑stakes encounter with England in Boston on June 23, followed by a decisive showdown against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
With Partey sidelined, the Black Stars must regroup and find a way to compensate for the loss of their midfield anchor as the tournament intensifies.
