UMVA has learned that Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian midfielder, is available to feature against England in a highly anticipated match, despite initial visa issues that threatened to derail his participation.
Partey's availability was cast into doubt after he was initially rejected a visa to enter Canada, where Ghana was set to play some of their World Cup matches. In a dramatic turn of events, Partey submitted an emergency application, but a judge ultimately upheld the original decision to block his visa request.
Court documents have revealed that Partey failed to disclose serious charges against him, including rape and sexual assault allegations, when applying to enter Canada. A statement read out in court also showed that Partey had pledged to be supervised by Ghanaian team officials at all times during his proposed stay in Canada.
However, Partey will not face any issues playing against England in Boston, as US officials have granted him a visa to enter the country. He will also be available for selection for Ghana's final Group L game against Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Despite the serious nature of the charges against him, Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz insisted that he had no concerns over selecting Partey for the World Cup. 'If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,' Queiroz said. 'I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here, so what are we talking about?'
Queiroz added that he would not make a judgement about Partey's situation, instead urging patience and allowing the events to 'run their normal course.' England players, on the other hand, are expected to shake hands with Partey after the national anthems are played, as the Football Association has not issued any guidance to the contrary.
Partey, who has won 58 caps for Ghana and played over 160 times for Arsenal, is currently without a club after Villarreal opted not to renew his contract this summer. His availability for the remainder of Ghana's group stage campaign is a significant boost, but the issue may arise again if they qualify for the knockout stages and a game is scheduled to take place in Canada.
