Partey’s Appeal Rejected, Ruled Out of World Cup Opener in Canada
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not feature in his country’s World Cup opener against Panama after Canada’s Federal Court dismissed his appeal against a visa refusal.
Partey’s legal team appeared before the court in Ottawa on June 15, 2026, seeking leave and judicial review under case number IMM-12882-26.
They argued that the player, who has entered a not guilty plea in ongoing rape allegations, was not subject to any travel ban and had previously been granted entry into the United States.
The defense attempted to submit late affidavits from Partey’s UK lawyers, but the court ruled them inadmissible.
Canadian immigration authorities maintained that a criminal conviction was not required to justify denying a visa, a position the presiding judge questioned but ultimately upheld.
In the ruling, the judge sided with immigration officials and dismissed Partey’s application, confirming the refusal.
The decision prevents the Black Stars midfielder from joining his teammates in Canada for their opening match, despite legal arguments highlighting his lack of conviction or formal travel restrictions.
