Ghana’s government said it plans to take legal action over Canada’s decision to deny a visa application to a member of its national soccer team awaiting a rape trial in London.
Midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to these accusations, which date back to the time he played for English club Arsenal in 2025.
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In a statement issued on social media on Saturday, Ghana said the decision by Canadian immigration authorities was “extremely unfair” and Partey should be presumed innocent before he can be tried.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says it makes its decisions on a case-by-case basis, and that hosting major events does not change its rules.
Partey was scheduled to travel with his team to Toronto from their base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for their opening match against Panama on June 17.
Ghana says it is exploring all diplomatic, legal and administrative means.
Partee is scheduled to stand trial in November or later.
-With files from The Associated Press
& Edition 2026 The Canadian Press
