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- Ghana's Partey out of Panama World Cup game after visa application refused
Ghana's Partey out of Panama World Cup game after visa application refused
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is due to stand trial in Britain on rape and sexual assault charges, has been denied a visa to enter Canada for the World Cup, FIFA confirmed on Friday.
"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 said in a statement.
FIFA added that it is not involved in host nations' immigration decisions.
"As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country," it said.
Partey is still expected to be available for Ghana's remaining Group L matches against England and Croatia, both of which will be played in the United States.
The 32-year-old, a former Arsenal midfielder now with Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. His trial is scheduled to begin next year.
