Partey misled Canadian officials over previous arrest, court rules

Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama after a Canadian federal court ruled that the midfielder misled immigration officials about his criminal record. The 33-year-old former Arsenal player was denied entry to Canada before Wednesday's match in Toronto due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

The Ghanaian government sought permission for Partey to enter the country briefly to participate in the game, but that appeal was rejected by the Federal Court in Ottawa. The appeal ruling stated there was "no serious issue in the underlying refusal" of the visa and that "the applicant failed to disclose that he is the subject of multiple criminal charges for sexual violence in the UK."

Background of charges

Partey pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year. The court noted that under immigration rules, "having reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed is sufficient" and a conviction is not required "to find the applicant inadmissible."

Immigration response

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) told the BBC: "Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws. Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies." IRCC officials had written to Partey to express concerns about whether his application had met the requirement to "answer truthfully" and referenced legislation covering misrepresentation which could impact a visa.

US entry allowed

In a statement, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said: "The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey. However, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry."

Team situation

Partey, now with Spanish side Villarreal, has played more than 50 times for Ghana, having made his debut in June 2016. Before the tournament, head coach Carlos Queiroz said he had no qualms over selecting Partey. Asked about the issue again on Tuesday, he said: "My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me. We are waiting for a decision. When the decision [arrives], we are ready."

Ghana play England in Boston on 23 June and Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. They could return to Canada in the last 32 if they finish as runners-up in Group L.