The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has explained why Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was allowed to enter the country even though he is facing serious criminal charges in the United Kingdom, according to ghanasoccernet.com.
The explanation comes after Canada refused to give the 32-year-old a visa before Ghana’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Canadian immigration rules allow authorities to deny entry to people accused or convicted of certain offences.
Although Partey has been charged, he has not yet gone on trial and has denied all the allegations against him.
FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal player, who now plays for Villarreal in Spain, will miss Ghana’s opening match after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application. FIFA also said it does not take part in immigration decisions made by host countries.
In response to the situation, US authorities said Partey was allowed into the country on June 3 because he had been issued a valid visa.
“The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey; however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa,” the statement said.
“CBP’s defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry,” the agency added.
Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. His trial is expected to take place next year.
Despite the situation, he is still eligible to play in Ghana’s remaining Group L matches in the United States against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
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