Partey denied entry to Canada for Ghana's World Cup opener

Published 8 minutes ago Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his nation's first World Cup game in Toronto against Panama, after being denied entry to Canada. Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial next year. In a statement, Fifa confirmed the former Arsenal player, who is now with Spanish side Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana's training base in Boston after having his "visa application was refused by the Canadian government". World football's governing body, added: "Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. "The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country." More to follow. More to follow. Related topics Football FIFA World Cup 2026 Ghana boss Queiroz no qualms over Partey selection Published 1 June More on this story Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor game Published 3 days ago World Cup fixtures and group standings How to watch the World Cup on the BBC Published 6 days ago Everything you need to know about the World Cup Published 1 April