Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada for World Cup over rape allegations

Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada and will not take part in Ghana’s first game of the World Cup. The former Arsenal midfielder has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London ’s Metropolitan Police and is awaiting trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Ghana are playing Panama in their first game of the tournament on Wednesday 17 June. The team and staff members are set to travel from their base on Rhode Island early next week, but Partey was denied a visa. Fifa said in a statement: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.” Partey, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal, was granted a US visa before the tournament and will be eligible to play against England in Boston on 23 June, as well as Ghana’s final group game against Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. More to follow...