06/12/26 03:23:00
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06/12 14:42 CDT Visa denial sidelines Thomas Partey for Ghana's World Cup
opener against Panama in Toronto
Visa denial sidelines Thomas Partey for Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama
in Toronto
TORONTO (AP) --- Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in his team's
World Cup opener Wednesday after Canada denied his visa application while he
awaits trial in London on multiple charges of rape.
FIFA said Friday in a statement that the 32-year-old Partey won't be able to
travel from his team's base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for Ghana's
opening match with Panama in Toronto.
"His visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," the
governing body of world soccer said. "FIFA is not involved in the immigration
processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with
previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a
visa and is admitted into the country."
The Ghana soccer association did not immediately respond to an email seeking
comment.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement that every
person wanting to come to Canada is assessed individually "based on the facts
available and the law that applies."
"Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is
working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and
security of Canadians," the IRCC said in the statement. "Canada has been
consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws."
Partey was traveling back to Ghana's base camp in Rhode Island after his visa
denial. He will be able to play June 23 when Ghana plays England in Foxborough,
Massachusetts. Ghana concludes group play June 27 against Croatia in
Philadelphia.
Partey is scheduled to stand trial in November or later on allegations dating
to his time with English club Arsenal from 2020-25. Partey, who now plays in
Spain for Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty.
A second World Cup player, Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, is awaiting trial on
similar charges in Paris.
Ghana is making its fifth appearance in the last six World Cups.
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
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