A Canadian judge has turned down Thomas Partey’s appeal to gain entry into the country after the Ghanaian midfielder was barred from attending the World Cup.
On Tuesday, Justice Roger Lafrenière, who examined the urgent request in Ottawa, dismissed 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 Canada’s immigration regulations and stated that Partey did not provide sufficient justification for emergency relief.
The case revolves around seven allegations of rape and one charge of sexual assault that Partey faces in the United Kingdom. He has entered a plea of not guilty and is awaiting trial in London next year.
Canada’s rejection of his application emphasized that immigration decisions are evaluated individually and that the World Cup’s significance does not alter the country’s immigration laws. Lafrenière remarked that granting Partey relief would have led to a “lawfully rendered inadmissibility finding and facilitate his entry for a specific event”
Significantly, court documents revealed that Partey claimed he had no criminal charges pending in any nation while applying to enter Canada prior to the tournament. Canadian immigration officials had previously requested clarification regarding the charges he faces in the UK.
In a sworn statement submitted to the court, Partey assured that he would remain under the supervision of team officials if allowed entry into Canada and pledged to depart 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,”
The midfielder 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 participation in the tournament. He noted, “play with the cards that are in front of me” Ghana had qualified for the previous tournament held in Qatar, where Partey played in three matches.
Before the judge’s decision, Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, remarked that he was prepared to “We are waiting for a decision. When the decision come, we are ready. We are ready to make the final approach to the game.” He informed reporters, “We are waiting for a decision. When the decision comes, we are ready. We are ready to make the final approach to the game.”
Partey has been granted permission to enter the United States for Ghana’s training camp and upcoming World Cup matches, allowing him to participate in games against England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia.
