Ghana’s government says it is planning legal action over Canada’s decision to deny the visa application of a member of its national soccer team awaiting a rape trial in London.
Midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which date back to when he played for English club Arsenal in 2025.
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In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, Ghana says the decision by Canadian immigration authorities is “extremely unfair” and that Partey should be presumed innocent before his trial.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says it makes its decisions on a case-by-case basis and that hosting major events does not change its laws.
Partey was 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 says it is exploring all diplomatic, legal and administrative avenues.
Partey is scheduled to stand trial in November or later.
— With files from the Associated Press
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