Ghana plans legal action after Canada refuses entry to Partey amid rape trial in London – National

Ghana’s government says it is planning legal action over Canada’s decision to reject the visa application of a member of its national soccer team awaiting rape trial in London.

Midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to the charges, since he played for English club Arsenal in 2025.

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In a statement released on social media on Saturday, Ghana said the decision by Canadian immigration authorities was “grossly unfair,” and Partey should be presumed innocent before his trial.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said they make decisions on a case-by-case basis and that holding large events does not change their laws.

Partey is scheduled to travel with his team to Toronto from their base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for their opening match against Panama on June 17.

Ghana said it was pursuing all diplomatic, legal and administrative avenues.

Partey is scheduled to stand trial in November or later.

— With files from the Associated Press