2026 World Cup: Rescind decision denying Thomas Partey visa in the interest of fairness — Ghana to Canada

The government of Ghana has condemned Canada's decision to deny Black Stars midfielder Thomas Teye Partey entry into the country for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Canada, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States and Mexico, denied the player's temporary residence application on grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of its Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 13, the government said it considers the decision unfair and inconsistent with the principle of presumption of innocence.

"The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies," the statement read in part.

According to the government, while it respects Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, relying on unproven allegations to deny entry raises concerns about fairness and proportionality.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that it has already initiated diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities in an effort to reverse the decision.

It said an official note of protest was sent to Global Affairs Canada on June 11, requesting a review of the decision.

The statement further revealed that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has held discussions with Canadian officials, including Canada's High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, since the issue came to the government's attention.

The government indicated that it is prepared to pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative avenues, including judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada where necessary.

"Government further notes Mr. Partey's selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the significant national and global sporting considerations at stake, and therefore urges Canada to rescind its decision in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law," the statement stressed.