Ghana officials are urging Canadian authorities to reconsider their stance on barring Thomas Partey from the nation, labeling the move as overly severe and unjust.

The ex-Arsenal midfielder's visa request was denied, meaning he will not participate in Ghana's first World Cup fixture versus Panama in Toronto this Wednesday.

At 32 years old, Partey has denied all seven rape accusations and one sexual assault charge stemming from claims by four women spanning 2020 to 2022.

His trial is scheduled for the following year.

In an official announcement, the Ghanaian administration indicated it is engaging in diplomatic discussions with Canadian representatives in an effort to overturn the ruling.

The statement explained that the refusal stems from ongoing legal matters in the UK without any guilty verdict.

It emphasized Ghana's commitment to the presumption of innocence as a key aspect of fair justice.

Authorities plan to utilize every possible avenue to achieve a thorough review of the circumstances.

Canadian entry regulations specify that individuals who have committed or been found guilty of offenses might be barred from the country.

The Ghana Football Association has been contacted for its perspective.

Partey is currently staying at the team's preparation facility in Boston.

A representative from US Customs and Border Protection noted awareness of the upcoming trial involving Mr Partey.

Nevertheless, without a conviction, he received a visa and entered the United States.

Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz expressed no concerns about including Partey in the squad prior to the competition; the player had signed with Arsenal back in 2020.

Following his departure from the club at the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign, he transferred to Villarreal in August.

Ghana are set to face England at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on 23 June and Croatia two days later, matches where Partey might be available.

Should they place second in Group L, a return to Canada for the round of 32 remains possible.