Just hours before the Black Stars’ opening 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Panama, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has broken its silence on the Thomas Partey visa controversy, issuing a strongly worded statement defending its role in the failed bid to secure the midfielder’s entry into Canada—a move that has already sparked criticism from sections of the public who say the timing of the statement is misplaced and irrelevant.

The statement comes amid growing backlash over Partey’s absence from Ghana’s squad for the tournament opener, with many supporters questioning the Association’s handling of the visa process and arguing that attention should instead be focused on the team’s preparations for the decisive encounter.

In its statement, the GFA insisted that the Federal Court of Canada’s decision to deny Partey’s visa application was based solely on immigration admissibility concerns arising from the criminal charges currently pending against the player in the United Kingdom and not due to any fault on the part of the Association.

“The Court did not make any finding of fault, negligence, misconduct, or incompetence against the Ghana Football Association,” the Association stressed.

The GFA further sought to address public commentary surrounding correspondence it submitted during the visa application process, saying some of the narratives circulating in the public domain had mischaracterised its role.

According to the Association, the letter currently making rounds on social media formed part of an ongoing immigration process and was submitted in response to requests for additional information, describing such correspondence as a routine and expected aspect of visa applications.

The football governing body also maintained that it had worked closely with Partey, his legal representatives, FIFA and the relevant Canadian authorities throughout the process and had responded to all requests for information and supporting documentation.

While expressing disappointment that the midfielder could not join the Black Stars for this stage of the World Cup, the GFA said it fully respects Canada’s sovereign authority and its institutions to administer and enforce the country’s immigration laws.

The Association added that it acted diligently, professionally and in good faith at all times and reiterated that its focus remains firmly on supporting the Black Stars in their ongoing FIFA World Cup campaign.

However, the release of the statement, coming just hours before Ghana’s highly anticipated Group L opener against Panama, has generated fresh debate among football fans, with critics questioning the relevance of reopening the visa controversy at a time when national attention has shifted to the team’s performance on the pitch.

Read the statement below:

GFA clarifies circumstances surrounding Thomas Partey’s Canadian Visa Application

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken note of public discussions following the decision of the Federal Court of Canada concerning Black Stars player Thomas Partey’s visa application to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As the governing body responsible for Ghana’s participation in the FIFA World Cup, the GFA had a duty to support and facilitate visa applications for all accredited members of the Ghana delegation. In carrying out this responsibility, the Association worked closely with the player, his legal representatives, FIFA, and the relevant Canadian authorities throughout the process.

The GFA wishes to clarify that the Federal Court’s decision was based on immigration admissibility considerations arising from the criminal charges currently pending against the player in the United Kingdom. The Court did not make any finding of fault, negligence, misconduct, or incompetence against the Ghana Football Association.

We further note that public commentary surrounding correspondence submitted by the GFA has, in some instances, mischaracterized the role of the Association in the visa process. The letter currently circulating in the public domain formed part of an ongoing immigration process and was submitted in response to requests for additional information. Such correspondence is a routine and expected aspect of visa applications.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Court’s decision was not based on any alleged failure by the Ghana Football Association to disclose information. Throughout the process, requests for information and supporting documentation were responded to and submitted to the relevant authorities. The Court’s ruling ultimately concerned admissibility issues connected to the pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

While the Association is naturally disappointed that Thomas Partey was unable to join the Black Stars for this stage of the FIFA World Cup, we fully respect the sovereign authority of Canada and its institutions to administer and enforce their immigration laws.

The GFA remains satisfied that it acted diligently, professionally, and in good faith at all times in support of the player and the national team. Our focus remains firmly on supporting the Black Stars as they continue their FIFA World Cup campaign and on ensuring that the team receives the highest level of administrative and operational support.

We thank Ghanaians and football supporters worldwide for their continued support of the national team.

SIGNED

GHANA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION