Canadian court denies visa appeal for Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey

A Canadian federal court has denied an appeal by Ghana's government seeking to overturn the denial of a visa for midfielder Thomas Partey, who will now miss Ghana's opening World Cup match. " Judge Roger Lafreniere issued the decision after a hearing in Ottawa.

He has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022. His trial is scheduled for next year.

Background on the case Ghanaian officials had publicly criticized Canada's decision as unfair and disproportionate. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated that hosting major events does not alter immigration laws and that every applicant is assessed individually.

Partey, who plays for Villarreal in Spain, has earned more than 50 caps for Ghana and was expected to feature in the tournament. Head coach Carlos Queiroz had included him in the squad despite the legal issues. Ghana is drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.

The team plays Panama on Wednesday, then England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.