The Ghanaian government has challenged Canada's refusal to grant midfielder Thomas Partey a World Cup visa in court. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, 16 June at 14:00 BST (09:00 eastern time) in Ottawa.
Partey, 33, is set to miss Ghana's Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday without a successful visa review. Canada's denial relates to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK, where Partey pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial next year.
Ghana's foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa labelled Canada's decision 'high-handed and extremely unfair' and said the government is exploring diplomatic channels to secure Partey's entry. Partey, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal, has earned more than 50 caps for Ghana since making his debut in June 2016.
Partey's absence would significantly weaken Ghana's midfield and defensive structure in their group opener, potentially affecting betting odds on Ghana's match outcome and progression prospects in Group L.
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