By Chiemeka ugwowo
Ghana Government Slams FIFA Over Thomas Partey Visa Denial
The Government of Ghana has criticised the world football governing body, FIFA, over its handling of the visa controversy involving midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application, preventing him from travelling from the team’s base in the United States to Canada for the fixture scheduled at Toronto’s BMO Field.
Reacting to the development, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, expressed disappointment over FIFA’s handling of the situation, saying the governing body had failed to adequately manage issues relating to host-country access for players and officials.
He argued that FIFA should take a more active role in ensuring that players and delegation members are granted seamless entry into host nations during major tournaments, warning that the current situation sets a “poor precedent” for future World Cup hosts.
Adams further insisted that FIFA cannot distance itself from immigration-related challenges affecting tournament participants, stressing that stronger coordination is needed between football authorities and host governments.
He urged the organisation to improve accreditation and logistical arrangements to avoid similar disruptions in future competitions, describing the situation as avoidable and damaging to the spirit of the tournament.
The match will take place at BMO Field, where Ghana will begin its World Cup campaign without one of its key midfielders.
