BREAKING: Thomas Partey lost his appeal

Canada has decided to keep its refusal of Thomas Partey’s visa application, meaning the Ghana midfielder is still not allowed to enter the country ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision means the Villarreal midfielder is expected to miss Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto.

Canadian immigration authorities first rejected Partey’s application under rules that can deny entry to people facing ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

Some of the arguments made by the MCI (Migration and Citizenship Immigration) lawyer included:

* In his Canadian visa application, Partey did not disclose that he had been charged in the UK.
* He has never played in a World Cup.
* Questions were raised about why Partey should receive special treatment in this case.
* The MCI lawyer said a criminal conviction is not needed to justify the decision.

Meanwhile, Partey’s defence lawyer argued that:

* The application was submitted by a secondary party on his behalf.
* Several people, including artists and actors, have previously been granted entry through a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
* Partey’s lawyer asked the judge to make a quick decision because time is important for her client. She said he is willing to do whatever is required, including signing an undertaking, to be allowed entry.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. His trial has been delayed until June 2027.

The decision to keep the visa refusal comes despite an urgent diplomatic and legal appeal by the Ghanaian government, which had asked Canadian courts to review the case.

Partey has been training with the national team at their base camp in Boston and is expected to be available for Ghana’s matches against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

The fact that World Cup matches are being played in both Canada and the United States has created a difficult situation for Ghana, as player availability depends on where the matches are held.

Ghana’s coaching staff are now looking at other tactical options ahead of the opening match because of Partey’s important role in midfield.

The Ghana Football Association is continuing to follow the situation but has not announced any further legal action after Canada decided to maintain the visa refusal.