Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie believes the absence of Thomas Partey for Ghana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup could serve as a source of motivation for the Black Stars.
Partey, who was named in Ghana’s final squad for the tournament, will miss the Group L opener against Panama on June 17 after being denied entry into Canada, according to a statement by FIFA on Friday, June 12.
The 32-year-old midfielder is facing seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Confirming the development, FIFA told The Athletic that the Canadian government had refused Partey’s visa application.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Reacting to the decision in an interview with Adom FM News, Afriyie expressed disappointment and questioned the basis for the refusal, stressing that Partey has not been convicted of any offence.
“What happened to not guilty until proven guilty?” Mr Afriyie said.
Despite the setback, the former GFA vice president believes Ghana’s players can use the situation as extra motivation heading into their World Cup campaign.
“I think the players will step up for Thomas Partey. This decision must inspire the players to play for the country and for themselves.”
Afriyie drew parallels with Ghana’s memorable run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals despite the absence of key midfielder Michael Essien through injury.
“In 2010, Michael Essien could not make the squad due to injury, but the team was able to go all the way to the quarterfinals.
“It was difficult for the players, and some will be disappointed, but they must focus and play,” he added.
Canada’s immigration guidelines state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain crimes may be denied entry into the country. While Partey has been charged, he is yet to stand trial and has not been convicted.
Ahead of the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include the former Arsenal and Atletico Madrid midfielder in the squad, insisting that it was not his role to pass judgment on the ongoing legal matter.
“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,” said Queiroz.
“I don’t have any comments about my own decisions. He is here, so what are we talking about?
“This is not for me or you to make a judgment about.
“Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth.”
After facing Panama, Ghana will take on England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before concluding their Group L campaign against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.
Partey remains eligible to feature in both matches.
