Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry into Canada.
The 32-year-old, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal CF, was expected to travel with the Ghana squad from their training base in Boston ahead of the fixture.
However, Canadian authorities rejected his visa application, preventing him from entering the country for the Group-stage encounter.
According to a report on Friday, FIFA confirmed the development and stressed that it does not interfere in immigration decisions made by host nations.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the governing body said.
“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Partey’s absence is expected to be a major setback for Ghana given his experience and influence in midfield.
The midfielder has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year.
Ghana are now expected to adjust their midfield plans ahead of the clash with Panama, with further squad decisions likely before kick-off.
