A Canadian judge has turned down Thomas Partey’s request to enter the country after the Ghanaian midfielder was denied entry for the World Cup.
Justice Roger Lafrenière ruled on Tuesday in Ottawa, dismissing Partey’s emergency application to temporarily override the immigration officials’ decision. The Black Stars are set to face Panama in their opening match in Toronto on Wednesday.
In his ruling, Lafrenière upheld Canada’s immigration policies, stating that Partey did not provide sufficient reasons for emergency relief.
The case revolves around seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault that Partey is facing in the United Kingdom. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial next year in London.
Canada’s immigration authorities emphasized that decisions are made on an individual basis, and the fact that the World Cup is occurring does not alter the country’s immigration regulations. Lafrenière remarked that allowing Partey relief would undermine the ruling of inadmissibility and facilitate entry for a specific event.
Documents submitted in court indicated that Partey claimed he had not been charged with any offenses in any country when he sought entry into Canada before the tournament. Canadian officials had previously asked him to clarify the charges pending against him in the UK.
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Partey expressed his commitment to remain under the supervision of team officials if allowed to enter Canada. He also assured that he would leave the country according to the tournament schedule.
“lawfully rendered inadmissibility finding and facilitate his entry for a specific event” Partey stated.
The midfielder added that not being able to travel to Canada would significantly impact Ghana’s performance in the tournament. He noted, “I have not been convicted of any offence. I have pleaded not guilty, and I remain presumed innocent,” Ghana previously qualified for the tournament in Qatar, where Partey participated in three matches.
Prior to the ruling, Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, expressed his readiness to adapt to the situation. He mentioned to reporters, “This is the first time that my country has qualified at the World Cup,”
Meanwhile, Partey was granted entry into the United States for Ghana’s training camp and upcoming World Cup games. He is expected to compete in matches against England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia.
