TORONTO (AP) 鈥� Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in his team’s opener Wednesday after Canada denied his visa application while he awaits on multiple charges of rape.
FIFA said Friday in a statement that the 32-year-old Partey won鈥檛 be able to travel from his team’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for Ghana’s opening match with Panama in Toronto.
鈥淗is visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,鈥� the governing body of world soccer said. 鈥淔IFA 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.鈥�
The Ghana soccer association did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement that every person wanting to come to Canada is assessed individually 鈥渂ased on the facts available and the law that applies.鈥�
“Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians,” the IRCC said in the statement. 鈥淐anada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada鈥檚 immigration laws.鈥�
Partey was traveling back to Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island after his visa denial. He will be able to play June 23 when Ghana plays England in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ghana concludes group play June 27 against Croatia in Philadelphia.
is scheduled to stand trial in November or later on allegations dating to his time with English club Arsenal from 2020-25. Partey, who now plays in Spain for Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty.
A second World Cup player, , is awaiting trial on similar charges in Paris.
Ghana is making its fifth appearance in the last six World Cups.
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