Thomas Partey visa case: Judge reserves ruling after emergency Canada hearing
A Canadian judge has reserved his decision after hearing arguments in Thomas Partey’s emergency application to overturn the decision denying the Ghana midfielder entry into Canada ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The hearing concluded on Tuesday, with both parties presenting detailed submissions before the court. A ruling is now awaited as Ghana race against time to determine whether one of their key players will be available for Wednesday’s Group L opener against Panama in Toronto.
Lawyers representing Canada’s immigration authorities argued that Partey should not receive preferential treatment because of his status as a professional footballer, insisting that immigration laws must be applied equally to everyone.
They also maintained that a criminal conviction is not required for authorities to refuse entry into Canada and cited previous legal decisions to support their position.
Government lawyers further argued that information relating to the criminal charges facing Partey in the United Kingdom had not been fully disclosed during the visa application process.
Addressing concerns raised by the player’s legal team about potential reputational damage if Partey is eventually acquitted, Canadian lawyers argued that any such consequences stem from the UK proceedings and are not Canada’s responsibility. They added that should the midfielder ultimately be cleared, he would be free to apply for entry into Canada in the future.
The immigration authorities also challenged claims that refusing Partey entry would cause irreparable harm.
They argued that Ghana has competed at previous FIFA World Cups without issue and noted that Partey himself featured at the last tournament. They further submitted that there was no certainty the midfielder would even start against Panama, making claims of irreparable sporting damage speculative.
Partey’s legal team rejected those arguments, pointing to previous cases in which artists, actors and other public figures were granted Temporary Resident Permits despite facing legal or immigration issues.
His lawyer urged the court to deliver a decision as quickly as possible, stressing that time is critical with Ghana’s World Cup opener only hours away. The defence also told the court that Partey is willing to comply with any conditions imposed, including signing a formal undertaking, if permission to enter Canada is granted.
Partey was left behind in the United States when the rest of Ghana’s squad travelled to Toronto on Monday after Canadian authorities refused his Temporary Resident Visa.
The 32-year-old has denied all charges against him through his legal representatives, and the criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom remain ongoing.
No timeline has been given for the judge’s ruling, with Ghana and Partey’s legal team now awaiting the court’s decision.