Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has issued a strong and unequivocal criticism of Canada’s decision to deny a visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the move as fundamentally unjust and contrary to basic principles of fairness.
Adams argued forcefully that it is wrong to treat pending allegations as equivalent to a conviction, particularly when the player continues to live and operate freely in the United Kingdom, the very country where the charges originated.
The situation has created a striking inconsistency that has drawn widespread attention. Partey, the 32-year-old Villarreal and former Arsenal star, faces serious rape and sexual assault allegations in the UK, which he has consistently and vehemently denied.
He remains on bail and is scheduled to stand trial next year, yet he has faced no restrictions on his daily life or movement within the UK. He has even been able to travel to the United States without issue, where the Ghanaian national team has established its pre-tournament base camp in Boston. Despite this, Canadian authorities have blocked his entry for the World Cup, meaning he will miss Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama on June 17 at Toronto’s BMO Field.
Minister Adams highlighted this discrepancy sharply, questioning why Canada is applying a stricter standard than the UK itself. He emphasized the universal legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” stressing that a mere charge does not equate to guilt and should not be used to bar a player from participating in a major international tournament.
Adams expressed deep disappointment in the Canadian immigration authorities’ approach and confirmed that Ghana’s government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has formally requested a review of the decision from Global Affairs Canada, hoping for a swift reversal that would allow Partey to join his teammates in time for the crucial fixture.
The timing of this visa denial could hardly be more damaging for the Black Stars. Ghana finds itself in a highly competitive group alongside heavyweights England and Croatia, and the team is determined to make a strong impression and advance beyond the group stage for the first time since 2006.
Partey is widely regarded as one of the squad’s most influential players — a dynamic, battle-hardened central midfielder known for his exceptional passing range, defensive solidity, leadership qualities, and ability to control the tempo of matches. His absence leaves coach Carlos Queiroz and the rest of the team with a significant gap to fill, forcing them to adjust tactics and rely more heavily on squad depth for the Panama encounter.
The controversy has also raised broader questions about fairness in international football and the responsibilities of co-host nations during global tournaments. Adams has voiced frustration not only at Canada but also at FIFA’s response, suggesting the world governing body should play a more active role in ensuring that visa processes do not undermine the spirit and integrity of the competition. Fans and officials in Ghana worry that this case could set a troubling precedent for other athletes facing unresolved legal matters in future events.
As preparations intensify ahead of the June 17 kickoff, the Ghanaian camp remains cautiously optimistic that diplomatic channels will yield a positive outcome, enabling Partey to link up with the squad in Toronto.
In the interim, the players and technical team are channeling their focus toward resilience, unity, and collective performance, refusing to let the external controversy derail their World Cup ambitions.
The episode has ignited passionate debate across Ghana, the African continent, and the wider football world about the delicate balance between immigration security concerns and the presumption of innocence, especially when it involves high-stakes sporting events designed to celebrate unity across nations.
