Partey denied Canada visa, out of Ghana's World Cup opener

Partey out of World Cup opener

Ghana's vice-captain Thomas Partey has been denied a Canadian visa and will miss Wednesday's World Cup opener against Panama (1) (2) (3). Canada's government refused the entry permit over ongoing rape allegations Partey faces in England. No official reason was made public, but the Ghanaian government has lodged a formal protest, calling the decision "extremely unjust" (2) (3). Diplomatic pressure is mounting in hopes of reversing the decision before kickoff, but time is running out.

Ghana FA celebrates Partey on his 33rd

Despite the visa controversy, the Ghana FA publicly marked Partey's 33rd birthday on Saturday with a social media tribute: "Celebrating Thomas Partey's special day by reliving some of his best moments for the Black Stars! Have a great day, Thomas! Happy birthday to our vice-captain, Thomas Partey!" (1). The timing is awkward given the diplomatic standoff, but it signals the federation's full backing of their player.