Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada and will miss his team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on June 13, 2026, due to pending rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, according to multiple reports confirmed by web search.
Partey, 33, who plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League, was arrested in July 2022 and later charged with four counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault relating to incidents alleged to have occurred between October 2021 and June 2022. He has denied all allegations.
Canadian border officials refused Partey entry under immigration laws that bar individuals with pending serious criminal charges from entering the country. The Ghana Football Association confirmed the decision, stating they respect the legal process but are disappointed for the team and fans.
Ghana will now face Panama without their star midfielder in the Group C match at BMO Field in Toronto. The Black Stars are also scheduled to play Japan and Mexico in the group stage.
Partey's legal team is expected to challenge the decision, but no immediate appeal has been filed. The charges remain before the UK courts, with a trial date yet to be set.
