World Cup 2026: Ghana Sports Minister reacts to Thomas Partey’s alleged visa denial

Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has dismissed reports suggesting Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied a visa to enter Canada ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Addressing the reports, the Minister stated that he has not received any information to that effect.

Speaking in an interview with Joy News, the Minister said he was unaware of any visa issues involving the Ghana international and indicated that such a development would likely have been brought to his attention.

Minister Responds to Visa Reports

Questions surrounding Partey’s travel status emerged following reports that the midfielder could face visa challenges because of the rape allegations against him. The former Arsenal player is due to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court in London on multiple charges.

However, Adams maintained that he had not been informed of any visa denial by Canadian authorities.

“I am not aware that he has been denied a visa. I knew his previous visa to the United States had some challenges, but he has since been issued a visa to be able to enter the United States, and unaware that he has been denied a visa to Canada. No, not that I’m aware,” Mr Adams said.

The Minister added that he had remained in contact with officials from the Ghana Football Association and the team’s management currently based in the United States.

“I don’t think if any such thing had happened, they would have communicated to me as Minister for Sports and Recreation. I haven’t received any such communication. I’ve been in touch with the FA and the management who are currently in the United States,” he added.

Discussions Ongoing Over Coach’s Wife’s Visa

Adams revealed that one of the visa-related matters currently under discussion involves the wife of Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, who is an Iranian national.

According to the Minister, a final decision on her visa application has yet to be made, prompting ongoing engagements with the relevant authorities.

“We are going through some processes, they are still considering a decision on her visa, a full decision has not been made yet, so we have been having conversation on that. I’ve not heard anything in relation to Thomas,” he stated.

England Handshake Issue Under Consideration

Meanwhile, reports in England suggest the English Football Association is considering its position regarding the traditional pre-match handshake when Ghana face England on June 23 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Players from both teams typically exchange handshakes before kick-off. However, The Times reports that the FA intends to discuss how England’s players will approach the custom given the nature of the charges facing Partey.

The midfielder remains eligible for selection and could feature for Ghana after being named in Carlos Queiroz’s final 26-man squad for the tournament.

Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.