On Saturday, the Ghanaian government expressed its discontent regarding Canada's refusal to grant a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey. This decision comes just ahead of Ghana's FIFA World Cup match against Panama scheduled for June 17.
The Canadian authorities previously denied Partey's visa application, which means he will miss the opening match of the World Cup in Toronto.
Reasons Behind the Visa Denial
According to a statement from Ghana's foreign ministry, the visa denial is reportedly linked to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK involving Partey. The 32-year-old footballer, who has played for Arsenal FC and currently represents Villarreal CF, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault, which he has firmly denied.
Ghana's Strong Reservations
The Ghanaian government voiced 'strong reservations' regarding Canada's decision, labeling it as 'high-handed' and 'extremely unfair.' While acknowledging Canada's authority to enforce its immigration policies, Ghana raised concerns about the fairness of denying a visa based on unproven allegations without a judicial ruling.
In their statement, they emphasized, 'The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada. While respecting Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality.'
Responses from Canada and FIFA
A representative from Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department stated that the country applies its immigration laws uniformly, with each visa application evaluated based on the available information and relevant laws. They noted, 'Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.'
FIFA also clarified that it does not engage in the immigration processes of host nations, including visa adjudications.
Currently, Partey is with the Ghana national team in Boston and remains eligible to participate in their upcoming Group L matches against England on June 23 in Boston and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
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