The Ghana government has sent a strong message to FIFA regarding the visa controversy involving former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey. Partey will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. FIFA has reaffirmed that it does not control host countries' immigration decisions.
Ghanaian Government Blasts FIFA
Ghana's Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has criticized FIFA for their handling of Thomas Partey's case. According to Modern Ghana, Adams stated that the world football governing body has set a bad precedent for future tournament hosts. He urged FIFA to take a more active role in accreditation to prevent similar issues.
Adams expressed disappointment, saying: 'I am equally disappointed in the behaviour of the world football governing body, FIFA, in handling the situation that has arisen as part of the tournament. I feel they have poorly handled a lot of things and the earlier they sit, the better.' He added that FIFA cannot claim non-interference in host countries' immigration decisions, especially for players.
Call for Unrestricted Access
The sports minister urged FIFA to ensure that countries awarded hosting rights grant athletes, officials, and delegates unrestricted access for smooth tournament operations. He noted that host nations sign clauses guaranteeing unfettered rights for participating nations and their athletes, including visa issuance. Adams emphasized that such denials should not occur.
The Black Stars will face Panama on June 17 at Toronto's BMO Field. After that, Ghana will return to Rhode Island before heading to Boston for the England clash and then Philadelphia for the final group game against Croatia. The team aims to secure enough points to progress to the round of 32 in the expanded 2026 World Cup.
FIFA's Position
Legit.ng earlier reported that FIFA denied any role in Partey's visa denial. In a statement, FIFA claimed that the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country. Under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, foreign nationals may be deemed criminally inadmissible under certain circumstances.
