The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has clarified why Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was allowed entry into the country despite facing serious legal charges in the UK.
The clarification follows Canada’s decision to deny the 32-year-old a visa ahead of Ghana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing immigration rules that can bar individuals accused or convicted of certain offences.
According to Canadian regulations, applicants may be refused entry if they have been convicted of, or admitted to, specific crimes. However, Partey has only been charged and is yet to stand trial.
FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal midfielder, now with Villarreal, will miss Ghana’s opening fixture after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.
The world governing body also stressed that it does not intervene in the immigration decisions of host nations.
In response to Canada’s action, US Customs and Border Protection stated that Partey was admitted into the United States on June 3 after receiving a valid visa.
“The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey; however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa,” the statement said.
“CBP’s defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry,” the agency added.
Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, involving allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year.
Despite the controversy, the midfielder remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining group matches in the United States, including clashes against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
