Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams says government has engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities to seek a review of Canada's decision to deny Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country.

Speaking on Citi FM, the Minister said the government had initiated diplomatic efforts through the appropriate channels following the decision, which has ruled Partey out of Ghana's opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama in Toronto.

"As has been indicated by His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, and the mandate through his Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that any Ghanaian touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it. Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting them to review the decision. I hope and pray that they do what they must do, and do it right," Mr Adams said.

Partey, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal, was included in Ghana's squad for the World Cup and travelled to the United States with the team earlier this month.

However, FIFA has confirmed that Canadian authorities refused his visa application, making him unavailable for Ghana's Group L opener against Panama at Toronto's BMO Field on June 17.

In a statement to The Athletic, FIFA said it was not involved in immigration decisions made by host countries and that visa approvals remained the responsibility of national authorities.

While Partey will miss the match in Canada, he remains eligible to play in Ghana's other group-stage fixtures against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

The 32-year-old is currently facing multiple criminal charges in the United Kingdom. He was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was later charged with two additional counts of rape in February 2026 and again entered not guilty pleas.

The allegations involve four women and relate to incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. The case is expected to be heard at Southwark Crown Court in London.

Canadian immigration authorities have previously indicated that individuals who have committed or been convicted of crimes may be deemed inadmissible to Canada. Partey has not been convicted and is awaiting trial.

Under his bail conditions, he is required to notify authorities of any plans to travel outside the United Kingdom.