Ghana’s government says it’s planning legal motion over Canada’s decision to disclaim 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 the English club Arsenal in 2025.
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In a press release released on social media Saturday, Ghana says the choice by Canadian immigration authorities is “extremely unfair,” and Partey needs to be presumed innocent ahead of his trial.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says it makes its decisions on a case-by-case basis and that hosting major events doesn’t change its laws.
Partey was scheduled to travel together with his team to Toronto from its base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for its opening match against Panama on June 17.
Ghana says it’s taking a look at all diplomatic, legal and administrative avenues.
Partey is scheduled to face trial in November or later.
— With files from the Associated Press
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