Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has said he is only focused on football as uncertainty continues over Thomas Partey’s availability for Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama.
Queiroz was asked about the ongoing visa issue involving Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, which could stop the player from taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup match in Toronto on June 17.
Canadian immigration authorities have refused Partey a Temporary Resident Visa because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women. His trial is not expected to begin until 2027, but Canadian border rules allow authorities to refuse entry to people facing serious pending charges.
The situation has created uncertainty in the Ghana camp ahead of their opening Group L match against Panama.
However, Queiroz made it clear that his attention is on preparing his team and choosing his starting lineup, not on issues away from the pitch.
“We have our plan settled, we are in this moment counting with all the 26 players that we have in the squad and tomorrow we’ll make a decision, we’ll be the starting lineup, no particular comments about that.”
He also said he did not want to get involved in wider discussions about the situation and stressed that his focus was on preparing for the game.
“I think it’s not necessary to make comments, the story is open, the freedom of speech is open.”
The Ghana coach also said that his job is to work with the players available to him, no matter what happens outside football.
“So to add more comments about issues that are nonsense is not part of my business, my business it is to play with the cards that I have in front of me.”
“We are waiting for a decision, when the decision comes we are ready to make the final approach to the game.”
The visa issue has still not been resolved before the match against Panama, leaving Ghana’s coaching staff unsure if one of their key midfielders will be available for the tournament opener.
Despite the distraction, Ghana continue to prepare for what is expected to be a difficult Group L campaign, which also includes England and Croatia.
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