A Canadian judge has turned down Thomas Partey’s appeal to enter the country after he was denied access for the World Cup. The Ghanaian midfielder’s request was heard by Justice Roger Lafrenière in Ottawa on Tuesday.
Justice Lafrenière dismissed Partey’s plea to temporarily overturn an immigration decision, coinciding with the Black Stars’ arrival in Toronto for their opening match against Panama scheduled for Wednesday.
In his ruling, Lafrenière upheld Canada’s immigration regulations, stating that Partey did not provide sufficient grounds for emergency relief.
The case revolves around seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault that Partey faces in the United Kingdom, to which he has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial in London next year.
Canada’s immigration officials emphasized that decisions are made individually and that the World Cup’s hosting status does not alter immigration laws. Lafrenière remarked that granting Partey relief would have legally compromised the finding of inadmissibility and enabled his entry for a specific event.
Notably, court documents indicated that Partey asserted he had not been charged with any criminal offenses in any country when he sought to enter Canada prior to the tournament. Canadian immigration had previously requested clarification regarding the charges he faces in the UK.
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Partey stated he would comply with team officials’ supervision if allowed entry into Canada and assured he would depart in line with the tournament schedule.
“lawfully rendered inadmissibility finding and facilitate his entry for a specific event” Partey stated.
He further expressed that being barred from traveling to Canada would significantly impact Ghana’s chances in the tournament, noting, “I have not been convicted of any offence. I have pleaded not guilty, and I remain presumed innocent,” Partey participated in three matches during the previous tournament held in Qatar.
Before the ruling, Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, conveyed his readiness, stating he was prepared to “This is the first time that my country has qualified at the World Cup,” He reassured reporters, “play with the cards that are in front of me”
Despite the setback regarding his visa, Partey has been allowed to enter the United States for Ghana’s training camp and forthcoming World Cup matches, where he is set to participate in games against England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia.
