Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has called on FIFA to step in following the refusal of a Canadian visa for deputy Black Stars captain Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana are preparing to open their campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, at BMO Field in Toronto, but Partey’s participation remains uncertain after Canadian authorities declined his entry request, citing ongoing rape charges against the 33-year-old midfielder in the United Kingdom.
Although Partey has been charged, he has not been convicted and continues to contest the allegations in court.
Speaking in an interview with TV3, the Sports Minister argued that FIFA must take a more active and public stance on the matter, insisting that players should not be barred from competing in tournaments under its jurisdiction due to unresolved legal proceedings.
“Not just the authorities in Canada that must put their foot down to get things right, even FIFA itself needs to speak up. FIFA cannot pretend that they have no role to play in matters like this, and their role should not just end behind the scenes only. They must speak out publicly for people to know that they are against such a decision,” he said.
Adams referenced previous visa complications involving the player in the United States, noting that exemptions were reportedly granted once it was confirmed he was travelling for an international competition.
“The Americans previously before the tournament withdrew his five-year visa. Understanding that Thomas Partey was not entering on his own but because they had decided to host an international competition, they reissued him the visa to enable him to partake in the competition,” he explained.
He questioned Canada’s decision, describing it as excessive and inconsistent with the expectations placed on host nations of global sporting events.
“One is therefore surprised that Canada will choose to do what they have done. This is extreme, this is abominable, and must not be allowed to stay,” the Minister added.
Meanwhile, a hearing is expected in a Canadian Federal Court as legal proceedings continue in absentia.
Ghana have already arrived in Toronto and are set to complete a mandatory training session ahead of their opening fixture.
The Black Stars will also face England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium before concluding their Group L matches against Croatia on June 27, with hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.
