FIFA has confirmed that Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening World Cup match against Panama after his visa application to enter Canada was denied.
In an official statement, FIFA said Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for the game scheduled for Wednesday, 17 June.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the statement read.
FIFA further clarified that it does not play any role in the immigration procedures of host nations, including visa approvals.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.
As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country,” the statement added.