Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada for their World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," FIFA said in a statement on Friday released to the UK's Press Association and the Athletic.
The Villarreal man was last year charged in London with seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault 2020-22. He was then an Arsenal player.
Partey has denied the charges and is set to stand trial next year.
Ghana's second and third Group L games against England and Croatia are in the US, where he appears to have gained a visa given he entered with the rest of the squad on June 4.
"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country," the FIFA statement continued.
The expanded men's World Cup is being hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada, the latter of which is holding men's matches in the global football extravaganza for the first time.
The US has been widely criticized for blocking Somali referee Omar Artan from entering to officiate World Cup games.
Broadcaster CNN reported that it was told by an official in US President Donald Trump's administration that Artan's "vetting uncovered 'derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations."
Iranians have also had difficulty getting into the US for the World Cup given the war between the two nations.
But now Canada has decided not to allow Partey in for one match, in apparent contrast to US authorities.
An official reason for Partey not being given a Canadian visa has not been given.
But Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada told the Athletic in a statement before the decision was confirmed: "The safety and security of Canadians is our priority as we welcome FIFA World Cup participants and visitors from around the world.
"That is why IRCC applies its rules consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile, or role in the tournament.
"IRCC officers are trained decision makers who assess an individual’s eligibility and admissibility in accordance with Canadian immigration laws. If they believe that an individual could pose a security risk, they may decide to deny them entry."
