(Courtesy:Canva & @thomasparety5/ Instagram)
Ghana’s star soccer player Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada because of pending rape charges, ahead of the country’s first time ever in the World Cup.
Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police. The 32-year-old midfielder has pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial on June 8, 2027.
Thomas Partey’s lawyer says Canada should take another look at its decision to deny the Ghanaian midfielder entry ahead of a crucial FIFA World Cup match in Toronto.
Canadian immigration lawyer Mackeda Bramwell, who is representing Partey in the matter, told The Brandon Gonez Show that her client is seeking a reconsideration of the refusal, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), and judicial review before the Federal Court.
“I can confirm that we have been retained to represent Thomas Partey with his application for reconsideration, TRP, as well as his judicial review matters before the Federal Court,” Bramwell said.
Partey was denied a visitor visa to Canada on June 10 on the grounds of serious criminality, according to Bramwell.
Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, foreign nationals can be found inadmissible if authorities determine alleged conduct abroad would constitute a serious offence under Canadian law.
Bramwell said the legal team believes there are “reviewable errors” in the decision and argues that officials should reconsider the application in light of all available evidence.
“What we are asking for is due process and fairness,” she said.
The lawyer described the situation as an “exceptional circumstance,” noting that Partey is an accredited FIFA player seeking entry for a specific sporting purpose rather than to live or work in Canada.
The comments come as Ghana’s government publicly criticizes Canada’s decision. In a statement issued over the weekend, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the refusal “extremely unfair” and confirmed it had delivered an official note of protest to Canada.
The ministry said it is exploring “all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies” and confirmed discussions with Canadian officials are ongoing in hopes of reaching an amicable resolution.
Bramwell also indicated diplomatic discussions were taking place, though she declined to provide specifics.
“I know both countries are having diplomatic talks behind the scenes. I can’t comment on the extent of those talks,” she said.
Partey remains with Ghana’s squad in the United States and would be eligible to play in the team’s remaining group-stage matches outside Canada should the refusal stand.
Despite the setback, Bramwell said her client remains hopeful.
“He’s in positive spirits, and I can confirm that he’s hoping for the best,” she said.
The Brandon Gonez Show contacted Global Affairs Canada and the Prime Minister’s Office seeking comment on the matter, including whether any diplomatic discussions are taking place and whether the federal government believes the current immigration framework struck the right balance in this case. Neither office responded before publication.
The Brandon Gonez Show asked Canadians if they think it is fair that Partey has been denied entry into Canada ahead of Ghana’s first World Cup game in Toronto, and was given entry to the other host countries.
“I think there’s hypocrisy, there’s hypocrisy in it. We’ve seen stars being accused of such heinous crimes but also being granted grace of, you know, movement, mobility everywhere. They’re not limited. He’s not accused of anything, so I think it’s just unfair,” Hilary K. told The Brandon Gonez Show.
“I mean that’s unfortunate. I don’t know all the details, like you know, false allegations come out all the time, but also there’s always a chance that it’s true too. So, like, there’s not really much I can say until we know for sure,” shared Canadian local Kaya P.
The Ghanaian men’s soccer team will be facing Panama at the Toronto Stadium on June 17.
