Ghana government asks Canada to review entry ban on captain Thomas Partey
Ghana's government has formally asked Canada to review the administrative ban that prevents national team captain Thomas Partey from entering the country for the World Cup. Canadian officials had said the ban was linked to an ongoing legal process in the United Kingdom. Ghana argues its group-stage chances will weaken if he cannot join match preparations.
Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a formal note to its Canadian counterparts on Friday asking Ottawa to review the administrative ban that prevents national team captain Thomas Partey from entering Canada for the duration of the World Cup. According to BBC Sport Africa, Ghana cites the presumption of innocence, the principle that sport should sit above politics, and FIFA's own rules.
Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ministry had said the ban was linked to an open criminal case against Partey in the United Kingdom, the charges of which the player has denied. Ottawa said it would reassess the ruling in parallel with the World Cup timetable and would consult with UK authorities for an opinion.
Ghana plays its opening match at SoFi Stadium on 16 June; head coach Otto Addo is expected to give Mohammed Kudus a broader role in the captain's absence. Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku told the BBC: "Whatever the legal process, an administrative decision should not determine sporting competition." The process is expected to be concluded within the next few days.
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