He is under investigation for five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault
Thomas Partey has been denied access to Canada ahead of Ghana’s first game of the 2026 World Cup.
The former Arsenal midfielder had been expected to link up with his international team-mates ahead of the fixture, but reports claim he was stopped from entering the country.
Partey, 33, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
He travelled from Europe after being named in Ghana’s squad for the match, only to be informed that he would not be permitted entry upon arrival.
The Ghana Football Association is understood to be working with officials in an attempt to resolve the situation, although it remains unclear whether Partey will be available in time for the game.
The midfielder has been a key figure for the Black Stars for more than a decade, earning over 50 international caps and playing at multiple major tournaments.
His absence would be a significant blow for Ghana as they continue their bid to secure a place at the next World Cup.
Supporters reacted with surprise on social media following reports of the incident.
One fan wrote: “How does this even happen to a professional footballer travelling for an international match?”
Another added: “Huge loss for Ghana if he can’t play.”
A third commented: “Surely this gets sorted before kick-off.”
Neither Canadian authorities nor Ghana’s football federation have publicly confirmed the exact reason behind the reported entry refusal.
More information is expected to emerge in the coming hours as Ghana prepare for one of their most important matches of the qualifying campaign.
