An Ottawa Federal Court has reserved its decision on Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey’s application for judicial review after hearing arguments over his denied Canadian visa, leaving his participation in the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in doubt.
The hearing concluded on Tuesday, less than 24 hours before Ghana’s Group L opener against Panama in Toronto.
Partey’s legal team, with the support of the Government of Ghana, is seeking to overturn a decision by Canadian immigration authorities denying the midfielder entry into the country.
The former Arsenal player was refused a visa because of ongoing rape and sexual assault charges he is facing in the United Kingdom. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and has not been convicted of any offence.
After hearing submissions from both parties, the Federal Court judge reserved judgment and indicated that a ruling would be delivered at a later date.
The delayed decision means Partey’s availability for Ghana’s World Cup opener remains uncertain. Should the application fail or a ruling not be delivered before kickoff, the Black Stars will be without one of their most experienced players for the crucial Group L encounter against Panama.
The Ghanaian government has been actively supporting efforts to resolve the matter, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa previously confirming that diplomatic and legal channels were being pursued to facilitate the midfielder’s participation in the tournament.
Other GCNews
Police Arrest Suspect in Murder of UCC Level 200 Student
No Comment! Be the first one.