Thomas Partey to Miss Ghana’s Opener vs Panama After Canada Visa Refusal, FIFA Confirms

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, after Canadian authorities refused his visa application, FIFA has confirmed.

In a statement to _The Athletic FC_, FIFA said Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for the fixture.

“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,” the statement read.

The world football governing body stressed it has no role in the immigration decisions of host nations.

“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,” FIFA added.

Partey remains with the Ghana squad in Boston but will not be available for the team’s first game in Canada. No further details were given on the reasons for the visa refusal.

Ghana faces Panama on Wednesday, June 17, in their tournament opener.