Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has strongly criticised Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry despite a valid visa, describing the grounds as “flimsy” and vowing to push for a review.
Partey, who faces rape and sexual assault charges in the UK but has pleaded not guilty, will miss Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. He remains at the team’s base camp in Boston.
Adams said the government had formally requested a review through appropriate channels.
“We have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting for them to use all processes to review and give opportunity for a review of such a decision that we think frowns on international laws and conventions,” he told Channel One TV.
The minister insisted the decision was wrong because Partey has not been convicted.
“Even in the country where they claim he committed the act… he is still living there as a free citizen. One is therefore surprised that Canada will now apply rules to the extent where somebody has merely been charged,” Adams added.
FIFA confirmed it has no role in host countries’ immigration decisions. Canada’s immigration authorities said every applicant is assessed individually based on the law.
Partey, who plays for Villarreal, holds a valid US visa and will be available for Ghana’s matches against England and Croatia.
