World Cup: Thomas Partey Denied Entry To Canada, Set To Miss Ghana’s Opener

Ghana are expected to begin their FIFA World Cup campaign without midfielder Thomas Partey after the player was reportedly refused entry into Canada.

According to The Athletic, sources familiar with the matter said the Ghana international is unable to travel to Canada and will therefore miss the Black Stars’ opening Group match against Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field on June 17.

The report said those with knowledge of the situation were not authorised to speak publicly on the issue.

Canada’s immigration rules state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain crimes may be barred from entering the country. Although Partey has been charged in a legal case, he has not been convicted and is awaiting trial.

The absence of the experienced midfielder would represent a major setback for Ghana as the four-time African champions prepare to launch their World Cup campaign.

Neither the Ghana Football Association nor Canadian authorities had publicly commented on the matter at the time of filing this report.