Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey, with 57 international caps, has been barred from entering Canada and will miss the team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on 18 June. The 32-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven rape charges and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022.
Canada's decision was based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom with no conviction yet resulting. Ghana's government called the ban "high-handed and extremely unfair" and is pursuing diplomatic engagements to reverse it, emphasizing the "fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence."
The former Arsenal player, now at Villarreal, remains at Ghana's training base in Boston. The United States admitted him after issuing a visa, with US Customs and Border Protection confirming he has not been convicted of any crime. Partey may feature in Ghana's later matches against England on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June, both held in the United States.
Ghana could face Canada again in the last 32 if they advance as runners-up in their group. Partey's absence removes significant midfield experience and leadership from the squad.