A Federal Court judge has turned down Thomas Partey’s application for emergency relief after Canada refused to grant the Ghana midfielder entry for the FIFA World Cup.
Key takeaways
- Federal Court Justice Roger Lafrenière dismissed Partey’s emergency request.
- Canada denied the 32-year-old’s entry, preventing travel to Toronto for Ghana’s tournament opener versus Panama.
- Part of the court’s reasoning was that the case did not meet the threshold for urgent intervention and that Canada’s immigration framework should remain in place.
- Partey is currently staying in the United States with the Ghana squad.
- He is facing a trial in England next year over allegations involving multiple charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, for which he has pleaded not guilty.
Court rejects bid to overturn Canada’s immigration decision
Justice Roger Lafrenière, who considered the matter on Tuesday, rejected Partey’s attempt to temporarily override Canada’s decision and permit him to travel to Toronto for Ghana’s opening match against Panama.
With the entry denial upheld, Partey, aged 32, remains in the United States alongside the Ghana team.
Lafrenière stated that Partey did not establish a basis for emergency relief. The judge also concluded that the balance of convenience pointed toward keeping Canada’s immigration rules unchanged.
Legal process in England and Canada’s immigration stance
Partey is scheduled to go on trial next year in England. The former Arsenal player faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Canada has maintained that immigration rulings are assessed individually and that staging the World Cup does not alter the country’s immigration laws.
Where Partey can still travel with Ghana
While Canada denied him entry, Partey was allowed to enter the United States for Ghana’s training camp and upcoming World Cup matches in Boston and Philadelphia.
