Shock for Croatia’s opponent at the World Cup: Ghana was left without a player because his visa was not approved

FIFA confirmed to The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon on Friday that the Villarreal midfielder has been denied entry to Canada following a series of rape allegations in England. The allegations are from 2021 and 2022, when Partey played for Arsenal.

– FIFA can confirm that playing Thomas Partey will not be able to travel from the Ghana national team camp in Boston (USA) to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as the Canadian government has rejected his visa application – the announcement reads.

– FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including making decisions on visas. As in previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who gets a visa and who is allowed to enter the country – they add.

Last summer, Partey was first charged with five counts of rape, along with one charge of sexual assault, after which two more charges were brought against him in February. This 32-year-old football player pleaded not guilty to all counts of the indictment. His trial is currently scheduled for November, but it could be postponed to 2027.

As an offshoot of Atletico’s academy, Partey made his professional debut in 2013. He spent five seasons at the Emirates, and in August he is a free agentč transferred to Villarreal. He made 25 appearances for the club last season. His contract expires at the end of June, but Villarreal has the option to extend it for another year.

At national level, Partey made 58 appearances for the Ghana national team and featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.