The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has stated that he is not aware of any visa denial to Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey for entry into Canada ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking in an interview with Joy News, the Minister addressed reports suggesting that the Villarreal midfielder may have been denied a Canadian visa due to the rape allegations he faces. Partey is scheduled to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court in London on multiple charges.

"I am not aware that he has been denied a visa. I knew his previous visa to the United States had some challenges, but he has since been issued a visa to be able to enter the United States, and unaware that he has been denied a visa to Canada. No, not that I'm aware," Mr Adams said.

The Minister explained that any such development would have been communicated to his office.

"I don't think if any such thing had happened, they would have communicated to me as Minister for Sports and Recreation. I haven't received any such communication. I've been in touch with the FA and the management who are currently in the United States," he added.

Mr Adams disclosed that ongoing discussions with the football association included the visa application for the coach Carlos Quieroz's wife, who is an Iranian national.

"We are going through some processes, they are still considering a decision on her visa, a full decision has not been made yet, so we have been having conversation on that. I've not heard anything in relation to Thomas," he stated.

English FA to discuss pre-match handshake protocol

Meanwhile, the English Football Association is reportedly considering its stance over a potential pre-match handshake between England players and Thomas Partey when the two sides meet on 23rd June at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

It is customary for starting players from both teams to shake hands on the pitch prior to kick-off. However, given the serious nature of the charges against Partey, The Times has reported that the FA plans to discuss how its players will handle the traditional gesture.

Partey could start for Ghana against England after being named in Carlos Queiroz's final 26-man squad for the tournament. The 32-year-old midfielder has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Charges and trial

Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025. He was subsequently charged with two additional counts of rape in February 2026. His trial had been scheduled to take place in November but may now be delayed until early 2027.

Speaking in February, Partey's defence lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said: "Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated fully with the police throughout. Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, there will be no further comment."

Under the conditions of his bail, Partey must notify authorities of any plans to travel abroad. US federal law also requires him to declare his legal status upon entry into the country.

Ghana's World Cup campaign

Partey has 57 caps for Ghana after starting the recent friendly against Wales, playing the first 45 minutes before being substituted as Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw in Cardiff.

Ghana will open their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia. The team is expected to be based in Rhode Island during the tournament.

The midfielder spent five years with Arsenal before leaving last summer, during which time he was teammates with England stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, both likely to start for Thomas Tuchel's side in North America.