Ghana minister slams FIFA after Partey visa issue
by Kickoff Reporter · KickOffGhana's Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has lashed out at FIFA after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.
The news broke on Friday night that Partey will miss the Black Stars' Group L opener against Panama on 17 June after his visa application was rejected by the Canadian government.
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Partey, however, does have visa to enter the United States, where Carlos Quieroz's charges will be based for the tournament.
The sports minister has now expressed displeasure with the situation and hit out at FIFA, who claimed they have say in how countries handle immigration.
"And that is why I am equally very much disappointed in the behaviour of FIFA, the world governing football body, in handling situations that have arisen as part of this FIFA World Cup 2026," Adams said to TV3, as per Ghanasoccernet.
"I think they have poorly handled a lot of things and the earlier they sit up, better."
"FIFA cannot say that it cannot interfere with the internal affairs of the host countries as to whether they admit a person into their country or not.
"This should not have been the position, especially for a player."