A Canadian Federal Court judge has scheduled an injunction hearing for June 16, 2026, regarding Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, after Canadian immigration officials denied his visa application to enter the country for the World Cup.
The 32-year-old midfielder remains at Ghana's base camp in Rhode Island, United States, and will miss the national team's opening match against Panama on Wednesday in Toronto, Ontario.
>>> Montella Rallies Turkiye Ahead of World Cup Return After 24-Year Absence
Partey is currently awaiting trial in London on five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman, with additional charges pending.
Diplomatic and Legal Response
The West African nation's government lodged a formal protest with Global Affairs Canada and launched a legal battle to reverse the entry ban before the tournament opener.
Government officials emphasized that the soccer player has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Ghana's government released a statement on social media criticizing the decision as "extremely unfair."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further elaborated on its diplomatic and legal strategy to resolve the eligibility crisis before the scheduled match.
"The high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application," said Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued Saturday.
The ministry indicated it would utilize all legal avenues within the Canadian court system to challenge the decision.
"Determined to explore and pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law, including, where appropriate, judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, to ensure full and fair consideration of all relevant legal and factual issues in accordance with due process," said Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
