Ghana's Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada for FIFA World Cup amid rape charges

Ghana's Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada for FIFA World Cup amid rape charges

FIFA did not say why the midfielder's visa was denied

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not take part in their World Cup game against Panama on Wednesday after his visa application to enter Canada was refused, FIFA said 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," FIFA said in a statement to Reuters.

"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas."

CBC News has reached out to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and not yet heard back.

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Partey is with the rest of the Ghana squad in Boston and will be eligible to play in their subsequent Group L matches against England in the city and versus Croatia in Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder who now plays for Villarreal, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. He has denied the charges.

Earlier this month, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz explained why he picked Partey in his World Cup squad, citing a presumption of innocence.

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