Thomas Partey visa battle moves to court as Black Stars arrive in Toronto

The Government of Ghana’s intensified diplomatic efforts to secure a visa for Thomas Partey have yet to yield results, with the midfielder still denied entry into Canada ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adding a new twist to the situation, Partey’s legal bid begins today as an Ottawa court reviews his denied Canadian visa, raising fresh hope that a last-minute breakthrough could still be possible.

Despite assurances from Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that “all diplomatic channels” were being explored, sources indicate that the situation remains unresolved on the eve of Ghana’s crucial Group L clash against Panama on Wednesday.

A close source has revealed that Ghanaian authorities are unlikely to receive a definitive response from Canadian officials on whether the visa will be approved until after the team’s opening match — a timeline that could render the decision largely irrelevant to the immediate needs of the squad.

Partey’s visa application was rejected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where the player faces multiple rape charges. The midfielder has pleaded not guilty and has not been convicted of any offence.

Ghana has formally protested the decision, describing it as “high-handed” and “extremely unfair,” while arguing that it undermines the principle of presumption of innocence.

Mr Ablakwa, speaking earlier in Accra, maintained that the government remains committed to pursuing every available option, including diplomatic engagement and legal avenues, to resolve the impasse.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars squad has already arrived in Toronto and begun final preparations for their World Cup opener, even as uncertainty continues to surround one of their key players.

With kickoff fast approaching, concerns are mounting within the Ghana camp over the sporting implications of Partey’s absence. The Arsenal midfielder is widely regarded as a central figure in the team, and his unavailability is seen as a significant setback.

Ghana is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against Panama in Canada on Wednesday, but without clarity on Partey’s situation, the team may be forced to proceed without one of its most experienced players.

While discussions between Ghanaian officials and Canadian authorities are ongoing, and now with legal proceedings underway in Ottawa, the expected delay in feedback has raised doubts about whether any resolution will come in time to impact the opening fixture.

For now, Ghana’s diplomatic push continues — but with time running out, hopes of securing Partey’s participation in the first match appear increasingly slim.