Thomas Partey, the Black Stars midfielder, will miss Ghana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after a Canadian court dismissed his appeal against the denial of a visa to enter the country.
The Canadian court decision comes despite efforts by the Government of Ghana to secure the player’s entry through diplomatic channels.
Justice Roger R. Lafrenière in Ottawa on June 16, 2026, delivered the ruling following Partey’s attempt to challenge a decision by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) denying him a Temporary Resident Visa.
Reports suggest Partey had asked the court to fast-track his application or, alternatively, compel Canadian authorities to reconsider his case on an urgent basis.
He argued that he needed entry clearance to join Ghana’s squad for its World Cup match against Panama in Toronto.
However, the Canadian court rejected the request, asserting that it could not bypass established immigration procedures or issue what would amount to a visa through an interlocutory motion.
Justice Roger R. Lafrenière noted that granting such relief would undermine procedural fairness, as it would deny the government adequate time to respond and bypass key steps such as filing complete records and obtaining leave for judicial review.
Meanwhile, court documents show that IRCC had earlier raised concerns about discrepancies in Partey’s visa application and requested additional documents, which included police records from the UK.
The court also noted that the player had answered “no” to questions about whether he had ever been arrested or charged but later submitting documentation showing he was facing multiple charges.
The Judge further held that there was no “serious issue” to be tried, adding that immigration officers are entitled to rely on reasonable grounds when assessing inadmissibility.
The court also added that Partey had not demonstrated irreparable harm revealing that the consequences he faced stemmed from criminal allegations rather than the visa refusal itself.
It will be recalled that Partey was denied entry into Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom and has been charged with multiple counts of rape.
In related news, Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian and Villarreal midfielder, pleaded not guilty to two further rape charges on Monday, April 13, 2026.
At the Southwark Crown Court in London, Partey entered not guilty pleas to the latest charges.
Jenny Wiltshire Thomas Partey’s lawyer maintained his innocence, stating, “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated with the police throughout. Given there are ongoing legal proceedings, there will be no further comment.”
Sky Sports News shared the news, stating, “Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two further rape charges. The former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal, has already denied five charges of rape and on charged on sexual assault. The allegation against him now totals eight in number. The afternoon hearing took place at the Southwark Crown Court in London, where a trial is scheduled to begin in November. There is a chance it may be delayed until the new year. Thomas Partey was released on bail and denies
See the post below:
BREAKING: Thomas Partey loses appeal against Canada entry ban after Ottawa hearing. pic.twitter.com/Ezh36l0GQ1
— GHnow (@ghnow_) June 16, 2026
FULL Ruling
— Austine (@obiMpenaAustine) June 16, 2026
1/3 pic.twitter.com/Va5rg6w9se
