A Canadian judge has turned down Thomas Partey’s request to enter the country, following the Ghana midfielder’s earlier denial for World Cup participation.
On Tuesday, Justice Roger Lafrenière addressed the emergency application in Ottawa and ruled against Partey’s plea to temporarily override a decision made by immigration authorities. The Black Stars are scheduled to play their opening match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
In his ruling, Lafrenière upheld the country’s immigration regulations, stating that Partey did not provide sufficient grounds for emergency relief.
The core of the matter involves seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault that Partey faces in the United Kingdom. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial in London next year.
Canada’s rejection of Partey’s application emphasized that immigration decisions are made on an individual basis, asserting that the World Cup does not alter the nation’s immigration laws. Lafrenière remarked that granting Partey relief would have “lawfully rendered inadmissibility finding and facilitate his entry for a specific event”
Significantly, court documents indicated that Partey had claimed he had not faced any criminal charges in any country when he applied for entry into Canada prior to the tournament. Canadian immigration officials had previously requested clarification regarding the charges pending against him in the UK.
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Partey assured that he would remain under the supervision of team officials if granted entry into Canada. He also committed to departing the country in accordance with the tournament schedule.
“I have not been convicted of any offence. I have pleaded not guilty, and I remain presumed innocent,” Partey stated.
The midfielder further expressed that his inability to travel to Canada would “This is the first time that my country has qualified at the World Cup,” Ghana’s performance in the tournament, adding, “play with the cards that are in front of me” Previously, Ghana qualified for the tournament in Qatar, where Partey participated in three matches.
Before the ruling, Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, expressed his readiness to adapt to the situation, saying, “We are waiting for a decision. When the decision come, we are ready. We are ready to make the final approach to the game.”
Despite the visa setback, Partey has been allowed to enter the United States for Ghana’s training camp and forthcoming World Cup matches. He is set to compete in fixtures against England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia, respectively.
