Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not participate in their World Cup match against Panama on Wednesday after his visa application to enter Canada was refused, FIFA announced on Friday.
FIFA Confirms Visa Issue
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” FIFA said in a statement to Reuters.
FIFA clarified that it is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including visa adjudication. The Canadian government did not immediately respond to an email inquiry from Reuters.
Partey Remains with Squad
Partey is currently with the rest of the Ghana squad in Boston and will be eligible to play in their subsequent Group L matches against England in the same city and against Croatia in Philadelphia.
Background on Partey
The 32-year-old Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder who now plays for Villarreal, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. He has denied the charges.
