Thomas Partey has lost his appeal against being denied entry to Canada – after it emerged at a hearing that he had not declared his rape charges on his original submission.
The Ghana midfielder, formerly of Arsenal, had his application for a visa rejected, meaning he was set to miss his country’s World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. An appeal was lodged at a federal court on Tuesday, and was swiftly rejected.
Documents submitted showed no charges were declared when the original application was submitted.
In response to the appeal, a document filed by the Canadian immigration authorities states: ‘On May 21, 2026, the applicant [Partey] applied for a temporary resident visa to visit Canada as part of the Ghana Football Association delegation under a FIFA invitation, to play in Ghana’s World Cup match against Panama scheduled for June 17, 2026, at the Toronto stadium,’ they said.
‘In the statutory criminality and security questions of the application, the applicant answered ‘No’ to having ever committed, been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any criminal offence in any country.’
Partey, 33, faces seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault and is currently awaiting trial in London. He denies the allegations.
Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada and can’t play in Ghana’s World Cup opener
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had branded the initial denial a ‘high-handed and extremely unfair decision’. Adding that they would intervene, they said the decision ‘raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality’, pointing out the ruling was ‘understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt’.
Canada’s government says it will not permit entry to those who have committed offences. Partey has pleaded not guilty to five of the charges and his lawyer said he intends to do so to the two latest allegations.
Ghana’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, cited a presumption of innocence for Partey when he included him in the squad.
The African nation are based in Rhode Island.
Following his initial arrest, Partey continued to play for Arsenal until the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2024-25 season. He is now with Villarreal, in Spain.
