A Canadian court has dismissed the appeal of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey against a visa denial that bars him from entering the country for the World Cup fixture against Panama in Toronto.
The denial stems from immigration rules that exclude individuals facing serious criminal allegations, specifically rape and sexual assault charges pending in Britain, which the authorities say render Partey inadmissible under Canadian law.
Partey's legal representative, Mackeda Bramwell, had earlier voiced optimism that the judiciary might overturn the decision, but the final ruling upholds the government's stance, leaving the player unable to join his national team on the field.
Reactions from the Ghanaian diaspora
Akua Mensah, a Canadian of Ghanaian heritage, condemned the outcome, describing the decision as a betrayal that fuels anger among supporters who had pinned hopes on Partey's presence.
The episode underscores the intersection of sport, immigration policy and legal scrutiny, raising questions about how similar cases might be handled for other athletes facing comparable allegations.