What to know
- Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup match against Panama.
- Partey faces rape and sexual assault charges in the U.K. and has pleaded not guilty.
- Several Toronto residents told NOW Toronto they support Canada’s decision.
- Others emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to play out.
- Partey’s legal team is seeking reconsideration of the refusal.
As Ghana prepares to face Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, one of its biggest stars will be watching from outside the country.
Midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada ahead of the World Cup match because of pending rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom — allegations he has denied.
The decision has sparked debate among soccer fans and residents alike, prompting Now Toronto to hit the streets and ask a simple question: Did Canada make the right call?
Why is Ghanaian player Thomas Partey being denied a Canadian visa?
On June 10, Ghanaian soccer player Thomas Partey attempted to enter Canada to play against Panama. Instead, his visitor visa was denied on the grounds of serious criminality: rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom.
The central defensive midfielder will be unable to partake in the match in Canada, and will need to stay on U.S. soil.
Despite pleading not guilty, Partey’s trial is scheduled for next year, meaning that until the alleged charges are confirmed or denied by the courts, Partey is denied entry to the country.
His Canadian immigration lawyer, Mackeda Bramwell, is filing for reconsideration, asking for “due process and fairness.”
While awaiting results, Now Toronto took to the streets to get Toronto residents’ thoughts on Canada’s decision and whether they believe it might affect who will win the match.
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The conversation comes after Now Toronto and The Brandon Gonez Show exclusively interviewed Canadian immigration lawyer Mackeda Bramwell, who is representing Partey and has launched multiple efforts to challenge the refusal, including a reconsideration request, a Temporary Resident Permit application and judicial review proceedings.
From ‘no one is exempt from that’ to ‘let the system play out’: Where do Torontonians stand on the issue?
Toronto resident Justin M. agrees with Canada’s decision to deny Partey entry to the country.
“If he’s a criminal, then he probably shouldn’t be playing. I think that’s pretty fair. Obviously, it depends on how the trial goes, but I would say that’s pretty fair,” he told Now Toronto.
He added that Panama might have a better chance of winning now that they’re losing a player, but that Partey still shouldn’t be granted a visa due to his stature in sports.
“Regardless of your status, if you are being charged with something like that, I think nobody’s really exempt from that. It sounds pretty serious, quite a serious case. And just because he’s like a star athlete, I don’t think he should get special treatment,” Justin said.
Partey is awaiting trial, which is set to take place in the United Kingdom next year.
But Toronto resident Xavier G. believes the trial should be sped up to possibly allow Partey to play.
“I think they should speed it up, just like a little bit, see what happens, you know,” he told Now Toronto.
“It sounds serious. So, it depends on how the whole world feels. But if the situation where he allegedly did it, then there should be no way he should be playing for his team,” Xavier explained.
Still, he supports Ghana, hoping they win 1-0.
But Toronto resident Jacob M. believes Partey needs to “let the system play out.”
“Obviously, you want to believe everybody, you want to believe all survivors, but if he’s pleading not guilty, you don’t want that to be, if he’s not actually guilty for it. So, I think you’ve got to let the system play out,” he said.
With that said, he doesn’t believe the loss of the player in Toronto’s upcoming match will lead to any different result, believing Panama will win anyway.
“I’ve honestly watched more Panama soccer games. I think they’re in CONCACAF, so I know they’ve got a solid team, and I think they’re gonna get it done,” Jacob said.
He believes it will be a 1-0 win.
Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, foreign nationals may be found inadmissible if authorities determine that the alleged conduct abroad would constitute a serious offence under Canadian law.
Whether they supported the decision or urged caution until the courts reach a verdict, most residents agreed on one thing: Partey’s absence has become one of the biggest off-field storylines ahead of Ghana’s World Cup clash in Toronto.
The match kicks off Wednesday at Toronto Stadium, with Ghana looking to secure a crucial result despite missing one of its most recognizable players.
