Federal Court to Hear Ghana Midfielder's Bid to Enter Canada for World Cup

A Federal Court judge is scheduled to hear an injunction application Tuesday from Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey after Canada denied his entry for the World Cup over rape and sexual assault charges in England. m. ET, will examine Partey's request to overturn the decision that bars him from entering Canada.

The 32-year-old midfielder remains in the United States after his application was refused for Ghana's opening match against Panama on Wednesday in Toronto.

Background on the Case Partey is awaiting trial on five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving another woman. His lawyer said in March that he also intends to plead not guilty to two additional rape counts. Ghana's government has called the decision "extremely unfair" and stated it issued an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada.

Officials said they respect Canada's right to enforce immigration laws but argue that relying on unproven charges before a judicial determination raises questions of fairness and proportionality. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said Friday that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws and that decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

"Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies," the department said in a statement. Partey was permitted to enter the United States for Ghana's training camp and upcoming World Cup matches in Boston and Philadelphia.

He played for Arsenal in the English Premier League from 2020 to 2025 before joining Spanish club Villarreal. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz cited the presumption of innocence when selecting him for the World Cup squad.