Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to appear before a Canadian Federal Court on Tuesday in a bid to overturn a visa refusal that has delayed his arrival for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The hearing, scheduled for 13:00 GMT, comes after Canadian immigration authorities declined the 33-year-old entry into the country, citing ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of assault involving four women, relating to alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. He has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. A trial in the United Kingdom is expected to be held later this year.
Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, confirmed that the player will challenge the visa decision in court, adding that the government and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Canada have been engaged in efforts to support his application for entry.
The midfielder, who serves as vice-captain of the Black Stars, was not part of the squad that arrived in Toronto on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s Group L opener against Panama at BMO Field.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to finalize his tactical plans without the experienced midfielder unless the court rules in Partey’s favour in time for his travel to Canada.
