Ghana protests Canada over Thomas Partey visa denial

Ghana files formal protest over Partey visa denial

Ghana has lodged an official complaint with Canada after Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a visa ahead of their World Cup match against Panama on June 17 (1) (2). Ghana's football association called the decision "hard-handed and unfair," and the protest has now escalated into a diplomatic issue between the two nations (2) (3). Partey, one of Ghana's most important players, now looks set to miss the crucial group stage fixture. No statement has yet come from Canadian authorities explaining the grounds for the denial (4).

Fan reactions

Three storylines are dominating fan conversation around Canada's World Cup. Video emerged of Bosnia and Herzegovina supporters chanting in support of Palestine ahead of their match against Canada in Toronto, with many fans discussing the atmosphere at the stadium. There's also pride that all three host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the USA, avoided defeat in their opening games, restoring a tradition broken only by Qatar in 2022. A lighter thread has fans sharing BBC's virtual 3D replay of Canada's concession against Bosnia, giving a goalkeepers-eye view of the goal. Join the discussion