Court hearing underway as Ghana pushes to overturn Thomas Partey's Canada visa decision

A court hearing aimed at overturning Canada's decision to deny Thomas Partey entry for Ghana's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently underway, with Ghanaian officials optimistic that the ruling could allow the midfielder to feature against Panama.

Sources close to the proceedings have indicated that the mood surrounding the hearing is positive, although no decision has yet been reached.

The legal challenge forms part of Ghana's determined efforts to secure Partey's availability for the Black Stars' Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17, after Canadian authorities refused the midfielder permission to enter the country.

While Canadian authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind the refusal, the Ghanaian government says it understands the decision was based on Canada's immigration laws relating to criminal inadmissibility and is linked to Partey's ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

The former Arsenal midfielder is currently standing trial over multiple rape charges in England. Partey has denied all the charges through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts with no verdict having been delivered.

The Ghanaian government has argued that denying the player entry before the conclusion of the legal process violates the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence.

Since the visa refusal became public, the government has intensified efforts to have the decision reviewed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally protested the decision to Canadian authorities and confirmed that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has held talks with Canadian officials, including Canada's High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat.

The ministry has also stated that Ghana is prepared to pursue every available diplomatic, legal and administrative avenue, including judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, to secure a reversal of the decision.

The ongoing hearing represents the latest stage in that legal process and could determine whether Partey is cleared to travel to Canada before Ghana's World Cup opener.

Despite the optimism surrounding the proceedings, Ghana's technical team has continued its preparations for the Panama match, with officials determined not to allow the uncertainty to disrupt the squad's focus.

Sources indicate that the Black Stars are preparing for all possible scenarios. Should the appeal fail, Ghana will proceed with its plans and face Panama without one of its most experienced players.

Partey remains eligible for Ghana's remaining Group L fixtures against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia after United States authorities granted him entry despite the ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

A ruling on the application is expected once the hearing concludes, with Ghana hoping the decision will allow Partey to join the squad in Canada before Wednesday's crucial opener.

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