Partey to Miss Ghana's World Cup Opener After Visa Rejection

Ghana's World Cup campaign will begin without Thomas Partey after the Canadian government rejected the midfielder's visa application, FIFA confirmed on Friday.

The 32-year-old will be unable to travel from Ghana's base camp in Boston to face Panama in their Group L opener on Wednesday, 17 June. FIFA stated in a statement to Reuters: "FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government."

The governing body stressed its hands-off approach to immigration matters: "FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas."

The Canadian authorities have not yet commented on the decision.

Partey, who departed Arsenal to join Villarreal, currently remains with the rest of Ghana's squad in Boston. He will be eligible to feature in the Black Stars' subsequent Group L encounters—against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom, charges which he has consistently denied.