Ghana Plans Legal Action Against Canada Over Thomas Partey Visa Denial Amid Rape Trial

Ghana has announced plans to pursue legal action against Canada after the country denied midfielder Thomas Partey a visa ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a statement from the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decision comes as Partey faces rape charges in the UK, with Canada citing “public safety concerns” in its denial, officials confirmed to BBC Sport.

What Happened With Thomas Partey’s Visa?

Partey, 32, was denied a visa to enter Canada for Ghana’s World Cup opener against the United States in June 2026, according to a statement from Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Department. The move follows allegations that Partey, who plays for Arsenal, is under investigation for a 2023 rape case in London. A UK court has not yet ruled on the charges, but Canada’s decision has sparked diplomatic tension. “This is a high-handed and unfair act,” said Ghanaian Foreign Minister Mahamudu Bawumia in a press conference, Reuters reported.

Why Is Ghana Taking Legal Action?

Ghana’s government argues the visa denial violates international sports diplomacy norms, citing the 2016 FIFA Fair Play Regulation, which prohibits member nations from barring athletes based on alleged crimes not yet proven. “Partey’s legal status in the UK remains unproven, and Canada’s action undermines global sporting cooperation,” Bawumia said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed its legal team to explore options under the Canada–Ghana bilateral agreement and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)’s dispute resolution framework.

What Are Canada’s Justifications?

Canadian officials cited “serious criminal allegations” against Partey as the basis for the visa refusal, according to a statement from Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s office. The government emphasized it “prioritizes public safety and the integrity of its immigration system.” However, legal experts note that Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allows for visa denials on national security grounds, though such decisions are typically reviewed by the Immigration Appeal Division. A spokesperson for the Canadian Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for further details.

How Has the Sports Community Reacted?

The incident has drawn criticism from football associations and human rights groups. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a statement urging “due process” for Partey, while the African Union called for “diplomatic resolution without prejudice.” Meanwhile, Arsenal fans have split, with some supporting the club’s stance on legal transparency and others condemning the “double standard” in how athletes face scrutiny. “This isn’t just about one player—it’s about the rights of athletes worldwide,” said Dr. Ama Adofo, a sports law professor at the University of Ghana.

What Are the Next Steps?

Ghana’s legal team is expected to file a formal complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee by mid-2025, according to a source familiar with the matter. The case could set a precedent for how nations handle visa disputes involving athletes with pending criminal cases. Meanwhile, Partey’s legal team in the UK has not commented on the Canadian decision, focusing instead on the ongoing rape trial, which is scheduled to begin in early 2025.