A Federal Court hearing in Ottawa into Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey’s denied Canadian visa application has concluded, with the judge reserving decision on the judicial review application.
The application, filed on behalf of the 32-year-old Villarreal star and supported by Ghanaian authorities, seeks to challenge Canada’s refusal to grant him entry ahead of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17.
Canadian authorities deemed Partey criminally inadmissible under immigration rules due to pending charges in the United Kingdom.
Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is on bail, with his trial at Southwark Crown Court in London scheduled for 2027.
Ghana’s government has described Canada’s decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” arguing it relies on unproven allegations in violation of the presumption of innocence.
The Federal Court hearing took place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The judge is expected to deliver a ruling at a later time. Partey remains at Ghana’s team base camp in the United States and will miss the Panama match following the visa refusal.