Ghana's government has formally protested Canada's decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country, describing the move as "high-handed and extremely unfair" as the Black Stars prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder was refused a Canadian visa and will therefore miss Ghana's opening Group L fixture against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022.
His trial is scheduled to take place next year.
In a statement, the Ghanaian government confirmed it is engaged in ongoing diplomatic discussions with Canadian authorities in an effort to overturn the decision.
"The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction," the statement said.
"The government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice."
Officials added that they are prepared to pursue all available avenues to secure what they believe would be a fair reassessment of Partey's case.
Canada's immigration guidelines state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain crimes may be denied entry into the country, a policy believed to have influenced the ruling.
While barred from entering Canada, Partey remains with the Ghana squad at their training base in Boston.
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection confirmed that the midfielder was granted entry to the United States despite the ongoing legal proceedings.
"The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey," the official said.
"However, at this time he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa."
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz previously defended his decision to include Partey in the World Cup squad, stating before the tournament that he had no concerns about selecting the experienced midfielder.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 before leaving the club at the end of the 2024-25 season.
He subsequently signed for Spanish side Villarreal in August.
Although he will miss the clash with Panama, Partey could still feature in Ghana's remaining group-stage matches against England in Foxborough on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June, both of which are scheduled to take place in the United States.
Should Ghana finish second in Group L, they could face a return to Canada for the Round of 32, potentially making the visa dispute a significant issue later in the tournament.
