By Zobia Zulfqar 
Ghana’s government has taken legal action against Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa, raising hopes that the experienced player could still feature in the country’s World Cup campaign.
The case is set to be heard in an Ottawa court, where Ghana is seeking a review of the decision that prevented Partey from traveling to Canada for the Black Stars’ opening match against Panama in Toronto.
The hearing is scheduled for 14:00 BST (09:00 local time in Ottawa). However, it remains unclear how quickly the court will reach a decision and whether it could affect Partey’s availability for the tournament.
Partey, 33, was expected to play a key role for Ghana during the competition. However, the former Arsenal midfielder was denied entry into Canada because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The Villarreal player has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial next year.
Despite the legal case in the UK, Ghana’s government has strongly criticized Canada’s decision. Officials described the visa refusal as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” arguing that Partey should be allowed temporary entry to represent his country at one of football’s biggest tournaments.
As part of the legal challenge, Ghana is asking the court to grant Partey short-term permission to enter Canada specifically for the match against Panama. The government is also seeking an order that would require Canadian immigration authorities to allow the midfielder to submit a new visa application.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the country is not relying solely on the court process. According to him, diplomatic efforts are also underway to resolve the issue and secure the necessary travel documents for Partey.
The situation has sparked debate among football fans and legal observers, particularly because it comes during a major international sporting event. However, Canadian authorities have maintained that the country’s immigration laws apply equally to all visitors.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement to the BBC that hosting global events does not change the way visa decisions are made.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws,” the department said.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”
Partey’s absence would be a major setback for Ghana. Since making his international debut in June 2016, he has earned more than 50 caps and has been one of the team’s most influential players. He also represented Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has regularly featured in major tournaments for the national side.
Before the competition began, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz made it clear that he had no concerns about including Partey in his squad despite the legal proceedings in the UK.
The Black Stars face Panama in Toronto before taking on England in Boston on 23 June and Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. Depending on their performance in the group stage, Ghana could return to Canada for the knockout rounds if they advance as runners-up in Group L.
For now, Ghana’s hopes of having one of its most experienced players available rest on the outcome of the court hearing and ongoing diplomatic discussions.
As the legal process unfolds, the case has become one of the biggest off-field stories of the tournament, highlighting the complex intersection of immigration law, international sport, and the presumption of innocence in ongoing criminal proceedings.
Source: BBC Sports
Also Read: Ghana Launches Diplomatic Protest Over Canada Visa Denial of Thomas Partey