Partey denied entry to Canada, will miss WC game
Key takeaways
- Ghana start their World Cup campaign Wednesday in Toronto, but Partey, 32, will not be present after the Canadian government denied his visa application.
- He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a trial has been set for November this year, although it could be delayed until 2027.
- Thomas Partey will play no part in Ghana's first World Cup group game.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Ghana start their World Cup campaign Wednesday in Toronto, but Partey, 32, will not be present after the Canadian government denied his visa application. Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London's Metropolitan Police and is awaiting trial.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a trial has been set for November this year, although it could be delayed until 2027.
A statement from FIFA -- first published by The Athletic -- read: "FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.