Ghana seeks Thomas Partey’s visa clearance for World Cup
Ghana are fighting to get Thomas Partey cleared to play at the World Cup after the midfielder was refused entry to Canada ahead of their opening match against Panama, reports BritPanorama.
The former Arsenal star is currently unable to travel for Wednesday’s Group L clash in Toronto after Canadian authorities denied him a visa. Now Ghana’s government has launched a legal challenge in a bid to overturn the decision, with a court hearing scheduled to take place in Ottawa.
Partey’s availability for the tournament has been thrown into doubt following the visa issue just days before Ghana’s World Cup campaign commences. At 33 years old, he remains one of the most experienced members of the national team, having earned over 50 caps for his country.
According to reports, Ghana’s government is seeking permission for Partey to enter Canada on a temporary basis, allowing him to participate in the match against Panama. Officials are also attempting to secure the right for the midfielder to submit a fresh visa application. The case is expected to be heard at 2pm on Tuesday.
Ghanaian officials have publicly criticised Canada’s decision, labeling it as unfair and disproportionate. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that diplomatic efforts are also being explored as the nation attempts to secure Partey’s participation in the tournament. Canadian authorities, however, have defended their position, stating, “Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”
While it remains unclear when a final decision will be reached, this dispute has added an unwanted distraction for Ghana ahead of a monumental clash in their footballing history. Head coach Carlos Queiroz had indicated his willingness to select Partey despite the off-field issues, having included him in Ghana’s World Cup squad where he was expected to play a significant role.
Whether he gets that opportunity now remains uncertain. Ghana have been drawn into a challenging Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, and they face a difficult path to the knockout stages. After the match against Panama, they will take on England in Boston before finishing the group phase against Croatia in Philadelphia. Should Ghana progress as runners-up, there is the potential for returning to Canada later in the tournament.
In the end, it serves as a reminder of how swiftly footballers can be caught in the web of international law, with their fates intertwined with bureaucratic decisions. As they prepare to face Panama, the team carries with them both the hopes of their nation and the precariousness of their situation.
