Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he is charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, Aug. 5, 2025
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Yui Mok/PA via AP
Last updated:
6 hours ago
Canada
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has lost a court challenge to allow him to enter Canada for his team's World Cup opener in Toronto.
Ottawa denied Partey's visa over seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault brought against him in Britain.
Accra requested an injunction to set aside the decision but it was denied by a federal judge on Tuesday.
Ghana's foreign minister called the ruling "high-handed and extremely unfair." Accra has sent an official "note of protest" to Ottawa, formally asking for the decision to be reviewed.
Canada's foreign ministry told AFP that it "maintains regular diplomatic engagement with Ghana, including on consular and migration-related issues when they arise."
But the ministry declined comment on discussions with Ghana about Partey's exclusion and said decisions on entering the country are made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
IRCC said "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," it added in a statement.
The Black Stars will play Panama on Thursday.
Shortly before the decision was handed down, Ghana's veteran coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters in Toronto that his side would be ready, regardless of the court outcome.
"My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me," Queiroz said."When the decision comes, we are ready."
Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen, also asked about Partey's possible exclusion, said he believed Ghana would pose strong competition even if the former Arsenal player was not on the pitch.
"They have a lot of other footballers who can take on his role," he said in Spanish.Ghana would not be "weaker" because Partey was absent, he added.
"They have a lot more experience than we have," Christiansen said of the Black Stars.
The charges against Partey relate to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
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5 reports
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter3 days agoThousands of football supporters gathered in Toronto on 17 June to watch Ghana defeat Panama 1-0 in a FIFA World Cup Group L match. The winning goal was scored by Caleb Yirenkyi in the 95th minute, leading to widespread celebrations among Ghanaian and Panamanian fans. Both sets of supporters organized events and rallies throughout the day before heading to the stadium. The match was described as a memorable occasion for Ghana's football community.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event with no explicit political commentary, framing, or bias. It reports on fan activities and the match outcome without taking a stance or using loaded language.
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter3 days ago Ghana beat Panama 1-0 with late goal from Caleb YirenkyiGhana defeated Panama 1-0 in a World Cup Group L match with a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi. The victory places Ghana at the top of Group L alongside England. Midfielder Thomas Partey was absent due to visa issues related to rape charges in Britain. Among the ten African teams, only Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire won their opening matches, while others experienced draws or losses. The African teams remain competitive following Senegal's unexpected loss to France. Ghana will next play against England.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without taking a stance on any political issue. It provides factual information about the game outcome, player performance, and team standings. There is no evident bias in the language or framing of the report.
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter4 days ago Ghana's Thomas Partey loses bid to enter Canada for World CupGhana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada for the World Cup due to seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge in the UK. Ghana requested an injunction to overturn the decision, which was denied by a federal judge. The Ghanaian foreign minister criticized the ruling as 'high-handed and extremely unfair,' and Accra has formally protested the decision. Canada emphasized that immigration decisions are made by IRCC and are not influenced by major events like the World Cup.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation factually without overtly favoring either side. It includes statements from both Ghana and Canada, providing a balanced view of the dispute. There is no evident editorializing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- government Ghana's Foreign Minister Statement
- government Canada's Foreign Ministry Statement
- government Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Statement
AfricanewsParty-alignedCenter8 days ago Visa denial sidelines Thomas Partey for Ghana’s World Cup openerGhana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied a visa by Canada and will therefore miss Ghana's World Cup opener against the host nation. Partey is awaiting trial in London on multiple charges of rape.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on the visa denial and legal charges without taking a stance or emphasizing any particular perspective.
Official sources cited
- government Canadian immigration authorities
- court Legal proceedings in London
20 MinutesIndependentCenter8 days agoThe Canadian government has denied a visa to Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey, who is accused of sexual assault.
Bias read (Center): The article reports a factual decision by the Canadian government without apparent ideological framing. It does not include commentary, opinion, or biased language that would indicate a leaning toward either side of a political spectrum.
Official sources cited
- government Canadian Government Visa Decision
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