The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has stated that he is not aware of any visa denial involving Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News, the Minister addressed reports suggesting that the midfielder—currently on the books of Villarreal CF—had been refused entry into Canada due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
“I am not aware that he has been denied a visa. I knew his previous visa to the United States had some challenges, but he has since been issued a visa to be able to enter the United States, and I was unaware that he had been denied a visa to Canada. No, not that I’m aware,” Mr Adams said.
Thomas Partey is currently facing multiple sexual offence charges in the UK. He has pleaded not guilty and is expected to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Mr Adams noted that visa-related developments of such significance would normally be formally communicated to his office, adding that he had not received any briefing from football authorities or government channels.
“I don’t think that if any such thing had happened, they would have communicated to me as Minister for Sports and Recreation. I haven’t received any such communication. I’ve been in touch with the FA and the management who are currently in the United States,” he added.
He also revealed that discussions were ongoing regarding visa arrangements for members of the national team’s technical entourage, including coach Carlos Queiroz’s wife, who is an Iranian national.
“We are going through some processes; they are still considering a decision on her visa, a full decision has not been made yet, so we have been having conversations on that. I’ve not heard anything in relation to Thomas,” he stated.
Meanwhile, reports from England suggest the English Football Association is reviewing its position on a possible pre-match handshake involving England players and Thomas Partey when England face Ghana later in the tournament.
Thomas Partey, a key figure for the Black Stars, is expected to feature prominently after being named in the squad for the competition.
Under his current bail conditions, he is required to inform authorities of any international travel, while US entry rules also require full disclosure of legal status.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. Their campaign begins against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, followed by England on June 23, before concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
