Ghana’s Thomas Partey loses Canada court bid before World Cup opener

TORONTO: Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial in Britain on rape and sexual assault charges, failed in a court challenge in Canada on Tuesday that could have cleared the way for him to enter the country for Ghana’s World Cup opening match against Panama.

Canadian authorities had refused a visa to the Villarreal player because of the charges he is facing in Britain, preventing him from joining Ghana for Wednesday’s match in Toronto. Ghana then sought an injunction in federal court on Tuesday in an effort to overturn Ottawa’s decision, but broadcaster CBC reported that Judge Roger Lafreniere dismissed the application.

Partey is facing seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault in Britain over allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He denies the allegations.

Ghana and Panama coaches react

Before the ruling was announced, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said his team was prepared regardless of the outcome of the legal challenge.

He told reporters in Toronto “My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me,” Queiroz said. “When the decision comes, we are ready.”

Panama coach Thomas Christiansen also said Ghana would remain a difficult opponent even without Partey. He said the team had enough depth to cover his absence and would not be diminished by it.

Christiansen said “They have a lot of other footballers who can take on his role,” he said in Spanish.

He added “They have a lot more experience than we have,” Christiansen said of the Black Stars.

Diplomatic protest from Accra

Ghanaian Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa criticised Canada’s move, calling it high-handed and extremely unfair, and described Partey as a key member of Ghana’s senior national team.

According to Ablakwa, Accra has sent an official note of protest to Ottawa and formally asked the Canadian side to reconsider the decision.

Canada cites immigration law

Canada’s foreign ministry told AFP that it maintains regular diplomatic engagement with Ghana, including on consular and migration-related issues when such matters arise. However, it declined to comment on discussions with Ghana over Partey’s case and said entry decisions are taken by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said Canada had been consistent that staging major international events does not alter the country’s immigration rules.

In a statement, the department said “Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies,” it added in a statement.