GFA denies wrongdoing in Thomas Partey visa process after Canada court ruling

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has defended its handling of Thomas Partey's Canadian visa application, insisting it acted diligently and professionally throughout the process after the midfielder was denied entry into Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement issued following the Federal Court of Canada's decision, the GFA rejected suggestions that it mishandled the application or failed to disclose relevant information.

The Association said it worked closely with Partey, his legal representatives, FIFA and Canadian authorities in facilitating visa applications for all accredited members of Ghana's World Cup delegation.

"The Court did not make any finding of fault, negligence, misconduct or incompetence against the Ghana Football Association," the statement said.

The GFA was responding to public commentary after court documents emerged relating to the visa process, with some reports suggesting correspondence submitted by the Association had influenced the outcome of the case.

However, the GFA dismissed those claims, describing the correspondence as a routine part of an ongoing immigration 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," the Association explained.

"Such correspondence is a routine and expected aspect of visa applications."

The GFA further stressed that the Federal Court's decision was based solely on Canada's immigration admissibility rules relating to the criminal proceedings currently pending against Partey in the United Kingdom.

"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," the statement added.

The Association said all requests for information and supporting documentation were submitted to the relevant authorities during the process.

While expressing disappointment that Partey was unable to join the Black Stars in Canada, the GFA said it respected Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws.

It added that its attention is now fully focused on supporting the Black Stars throughout their World Cup campaign.