By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (V/R), June 13, GNA-Football fans across Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, have reacted with anger and disbelieve after confirmation that vice-captain Thomas Partey would miss the Black Stars’ opening FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17.
Information picked by the Ghana News Agency, revealed that the Canadian government refused Partey’s visa application, denying him entry into the country and which many fans believed would be significant blow to Black Stars preparations ahead of their return to the global showpiece.
In a FIFA’s statement to The Athletic, and sighted by the GNA, confirmed that Partey would be unable to travel from Black Stars’ team base camp in Boston to Canada for their opening games against Panama.
FIFA stressed that it bears no responsibility for the immigration processes of host countries, as it remained the prerogative of each host government to determine who is granted entry.
The development has sparked a heated argument and outrage among Black Stars supporters in Keta Municipality, with many arguing that Partey should not be denied the opportunity to represent his country on the basis of an unresolved legal matter.
Mr Korbla Gborgla, a strong Black Stars fan, told the GNA that Partey has been charged but is yet to stand trial and has not been convicted of any offence by a court of competent jurisdiction, and described the decision as a gross injustice.
“Thomas Partey has not been convicted of anything. He is innocent until proven guilty. For Canada to deny him entry on this basis is unfair,” he said.
He further directed frustration at FIFA, accusing the world governing body of failing to protect the interests of players and member associations despite clearing Partey for Ghana’s 26-man World Cup squad.
He also argued that FIFA, as tournament organiser, ought to have engaged host governments well in advance to resolve potential immigration complications involving accredited players.
“This situation is raising serious concerns for the team’s campaign. Partey could miss more than the opener depending on how far the Black Stars progress.And GFA, CAF and FIFA must collaborate and resolve this before another person is denied.”
He explained that should Ghana finish second in Group L, their Round of 32 fixture would be in Toronto, while a third-place finish followed by victory could send them to Vancouver for the Round of 16.
Ms Abigail Mensah, and added that the incident has reignited debate about the extent to which a host nation’s immigration laws could override FIFA’s accreditation and qualification processes.
She called on the Black Stars and Ghana Football Association to boycott matches in Canada in protest, while others cautioned that such action could have severe consequences and invite FIFA sanctions.
Other football analysts noted the tri-host format of the USA, Canada, and Mexico presents unique logistical and legal challenges, with teams crossing three jurisdictions with different immigration laws, which affected Somalian referee Artan Omar from participating in the mundial.
As Ghana prepares to kick off against Panama in Toronto without one of their most influential midfielders, fans have urged the GFA, Government of Ghana, and diplomatic channels to engage Canadian authorities urgently to resolve the issue for subsequent matches.
Meanwhile, if nothing changes between now and the following week, Partey could stay in the USA without taking part in the team’s first match.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade