Ghana takes Partey's World Cup entry fight with Canada to Federal Court

Ghana’s Thomas Partey has been refused entry into Canada as he is currently accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the U.K.

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OTTAWA — A Federal Court judge is scheduled to hear an injunction application Tuesday from Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, whose bid to enter Canada for the World Cup was denied over rape and sexual assault charges in England.

The hearing, scheduled for 9 a.m. ET, will consider Partey’s bid to overturn the decision preventing him from entering Canada.

The 32-year-old remains in the United States after Canada refused his application to enter the country for Ghana’s opening match against Panama on Wednesday in Toronto.

Ghana’s government has called the decision “extremely unfair” and vowed to pursue legal action to overturn it.

Partey is awaiting trial on five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving another woman. His lawyer said in March that he also intends to plead not guilty to two additional rape counts.

He was permitted to enter the United States for Ghana’s training camp and upcoming World Cup matches in Boston and Philadelphia.


Ghana’s government says it respects Canada’s right to enforce its immigration laws but argues that relying on unproven charges before a judicial determination raises questions of fairness and proportionality.

The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it issued an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada after Canada denied Partey’s application.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said Friday that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws and that decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies,” the department said in a statement.

Partey played for Arsenal in the English Premier League from 2020 to 2025 before joining Spanish club Villarreal. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz cited the presumption of innocence when selecting him for the World Cup squad.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
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• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.