Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has reportedly been granted a Canadian visa ahead of Ghana’s crucial FIFA World Cup encounter against Panama, bringing an end to days of uncertainty surrounding his participation in the tournament.
The latest development marks a dramatic turnaround in a diplomatic and legal controversy that had Ghana secures Canadian Visa for Thomas Partey ahead of crucial World Cup clash to sideline one of Ghana’s most experienced players at a critical stage of the competition.
Reports indicate that Canadian authorities have now approved Partey’s temporary entry permit following intense engagements involving the government, football authorities, and diplomatic officials.
The decision comes only days after Ghana formally protested Canada’s earlier refusal to issue the midfielder a visa due to ongoing legal proceedings involving him in the United Kingdom.
The initial denial triggered widespread debate both in Ghana and internationally, with fans, sports analysts, and government officials expressing concern over the implications of the decision on Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
Government officials reportedly argued that the refusal was unfair, disproportionate, and inconsistent with the internationally recognised principle of the presumption of innocence, stressing that Partey had not been convicted of any offence and therefore should not have been prevented from participating in a global sporting event.
The matter quickly evolved into a sensitive diplomatic issue, with calls mounting for Canadian authorities to reconsider their position in the spirit of fairness,Ghana Black Star’s sportsmanship, and international cooperation.
Partey’s availability is seen as a major boost for the national team ahead of the decisive clash against Panama.
The experienced midfielder remains a key figure in the Black Stars squad, providing leadership, defensive stability, and composure in midfield.
Football supporters across the country have welcomed reports of the visa approval, with many describing it as a huge relief for both the national team and fans who feared the Black Stars could be without one of their most influential players during a crucial phase of the tournament.
Neither the government, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), nor Canadian officials had issued a detailed public statement on the latest development at the time of filing this report.
The Black Stars are expected to continue preparations for the highly anticipated fixture against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, at BMO Field in Toronto at 7:00 p.m. ET, as hopes remain high for a positive result.
Ghana will also face England and Croatia in subsequent group matches.
By 1960news.com
