Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie believes Thomas Partey’s absence from Ghana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could motivate the Black Stars.
Partey, who was included in Ghana’s final squad for the tournament, will miss the Group L opener against Panama on June 17 after being denied entry into Canada.
The 32-year-old midfielder is facing seven rape charges and one charge of sexual assault linked to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Confirming the situation, FIFA told The Athletic that the Canadian government had rejected Partey’s visa application.
“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. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Speaking to Adom FM, Afriyie said he was disappointed by the decision and questioned why Partey was refused entry when he has not been convicted of any crime.
“What happened to not guilty until proven guilty?” Mr Afriyie said.
Even with this setback, the former GFA vice president believes Ghana’s players can use the situation as extra motivation as they begin their World Cup campaign.
“I think the players will step up for Thomas Partey. This decision must inspire the players to play for the country and for themselves.”
Afriyie compared the situation to Ghana’s memorable run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals despite missing key midfielder Michael Essien because of injury.
“In 2010, Michael Essien could not make the squad due to injury, but the team was able to go all the way to the quarterfinals.
“It was difficult for the players, and some will be disappointed, but they must focus and play,” he added.
Canada’s immigration rules state that people who have committed or been convicted of certain crimes may be refused entry into the country. While Partey has been charged, he has not yet gone on trial and has not been convicted.
Before the tournament, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include the former Arsenal and Atletico Madrid midfielder in the squad, saying it was not his job to judge the legal case.
“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,” said Queiroz.
“I don’t have any comments about my own decisions. He is here, so what are we talking about?
“This is not for me or you to make a judgment about.
“Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth.”
After playing Panama, Ghana will face England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before ending their Group L campaign against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.
Partey is still eligible to play in both matches.
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