Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in his team’s World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto after Canada denied his visa application. Partey, who is awaiting trial in London on multiple charges of rape, will not be able to travel from his team’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for the match.

Visa Application Denied

According to FIFA, Partey’s visa application was refused by the Canadian government. The governing body of world soccer stated that it is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. The Canadian government said that every person wanting to come to Canada is assessed individually based on the facts available and the law that applies.

Partey will be able to play in Ghana’s next match against England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 23. Ghana concludes group play against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Partey has pleaded not guilty to the allegations and is scheduled to stand trial in November or later.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.