Thomas Party To Miss The World Cup Opener Over Visa Denial

The emergency application hearing took place in Ottawa, and was presided over by, Justice Roger Lafrenière. The court ruled out Partey’s request to override the temporary sanction placed on the Villarreal man by the immigration camp.

The Blacks stars of Ghana are to clash against Panama  for their World Cup opener in Toronto Stadium. The ruling of the court simply means the team are to travel for this game without the ex Arsenal man.

The Ghanaian star is faced with seven counts of rape which includes one sexual assault, in the United Kingdom. He is currently awaiting trials, till next year, as he had earlier pleaded not guilty to counts.

Partey had this to say to news outlets “I have not been convicted of any offence. I have pleaded not guilty, and I remain presumed innocent,” when asked what his opinion is over the case at hand.

Partey was a key member of the Black Stars of Ghana that took part in the last World Cup edition in Qatar, where he played all 3 games for his country.

He said being unable to travel to Canada would materially affect Ghana’s ability to perform in the tournament.

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, said he was ready to play with the cards within his reach and had this to say ahead of the ruling,

“We are waiting for a decision. When the decision come, we are ready. We are ready to make the final approach to the game.”

Justice Roger Lafrenière in his ruling said that, hosting the World Cup does not change a country’s immigration rules, and thus ruled in favour of the bounty placed by the Canadian immigration.

Partey has permit to enter United States, and thus, would be able to play in the two matches against England and Croatia, in Boston and Philadelphia.