Kofi Adams has slammed Canada’s immigration authorities’ refusal of visa access for Thomas Partey, a member of the Ghanaian team competing in the 2026 World Cup which is about to kick off in Canada against Panama in Toronto, demanding a prompt review of what he termed as “flimsy grounds” in the case.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who is currently on bail in the UK having been charged with several crimes and standing trial where he has denied all charges, has already been issued with a US visa and is currently still with the Ghanaian team in Boston but will be absent from the Canadian contest.
Adams stated the ruling “was an absolute travesty of justice”, noting that a charge is not a conviction and questioned why Canadian immigration was inconsistent with regard to Partey’s visa application.
Global football governing body FIFA has stated they would not get involved in host nation’s visa approvals but Canada’s immigration officials have insisted they treat each case on its merits in accordance with the law.
The government of Ghana has opened diplomatic negotiations with Canada calling for the case to be reconsidered for reasons of sports fairness.
