Canada’s Immigration Minister Lena Diab has defended the decision to reject Thomas Partey’s visa application, a ruling that will see the Ghana midfielder miss the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Partey, formerly of Arsenal, is currently awaiting trial in London after pleading not guilty to multiple counts of rape.
Despite not having been convicted, his application to enter Canada was denied ahead of Ghana’s Group A opener against Panama on Wednesday, June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto.
In a statement issued through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Diab stressed that the country’s immigration framework applies uniformly, even during global sporting events.
“Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians,” Lena Diab said in a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”
Ghana’s World Cup campaign continues after the opener, with fixtures against England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Despite missing the first match, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining Group L games, which will all be played in the United States.
