Partey refused entry to Canada for Ghana’s World Cup opener

Thomas Partey, who is facing trial in Britain on rape charges, will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama after Canadian authorities denied him a visa, Fifa said on Friday.

The Villarreal midfielder, who previously played for Arsenal, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022.

A trial has been set for next year, allowing the 32-year-old to represent Ghana at the World Cup, but he will not be involved in Wednesday’s match in Toronto.