Former Ghana Football Association vice-president George Afriyie believes Thomas Partey’s absence from Ghana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could galvanise the Black Stars rather than weaken them.
The experienced midfielder will miss Ghana’s Group L clash against Panama on June 17 after being denied entry into Canada, creating an unexpected challenge for head coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of the country’s first fixture at the tournament.
Partey, 32, was included in Ghana’s final World Cup squad despite facing seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. The former Arsenal and Atletico Madrid player has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
FIFA confirmed that Canadian authorities rejected the midfielder’s visa application, preventing him from travelling from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Toronto for the opening game.
“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 is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Speaking to Adom FM, Afriyie expressed concern over the decision and argued that the midfielder should not be judged before the legal process reaches its conclusion.
“What happened to not guilty until proven guilty?” Mr Afriyie said.
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While acknowledging the significance of losing one of Ghana’s most influential players, Afriyie is convinced the situation can unite the squad and provide extra determination as they begin their World Cup journey.
“I think the players will step up for Thomas Partey. This decision must inspire the players to play for the country and for themselves.”
The former football administrator pointed to Ghana’s impressive campaign at the 2010 World Cup as evidence that adversity can often bring the best out of the national team. On that occasion, the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals despite missing midfield talisman Michael Essien through injury.
“In 2010, Michael Essien could not make the squad due to injury, but the team was able to go all the way to the quarterfinals. It was difficult for the players, and some will be disappointed, but they must focus and play,” he added.
The visa refusal has sparked widespread debate, particularly because Partey has not been convicted of any crime. Canadian immigration regulations allow authorities to deny entry to individuals linked to certain criminal matters, though each case is assessed independently.
Despite the controversy surrounding his selection, Queiroz has consistently stood by his decision to include Partey in Ghana’s World Cup squad, insisting it is not his responsibility to determine the outcome of an ongoing legal case.
“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,” said Queiroz. “I don’t have any comments about my own decisions. He is here, so what are we talking about? This is not for me or you to make a judgment about. Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth.”
Ghana will launch their Group L campaign against Panama before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. The Black Stars will then conclude the group stage against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.
Although ruled out of the Panama encounter, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining two group matches should he be cleared to travel.
