What to know
- Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada ahead of his country’s World Cup match against Panama in Toronto.
- Canadian immigration lawyer Mackeda Bramwell says Partey’s legal team has filed for reconsideration, a Temporary Resident Permit and judicial review.
- Ghana’s government has called the decision “extremely unfair” and has formally protested Canada’s refusal.
- Partey faces rape and sexual assault charges in the U.K. and has pleaded not guilty.
- NOW Toronto contacted Global Affairs Canada and the Prime Minister’s Office for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Thomas Partey’s lawyer says Canada should take another look at its decision to deny the Ghanaian midfielder entry ahead of a crucial FIFA World Cup match in Toronto.
Canadian immigration lawyer Mackeda Bramwell, who is representing Partey in the matter, told Now Toronto that her client is seeking a reconsideration of the refusal, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), and judicial review before the Federal Court.
“I can confirm that we have been retained to represent Thomas Partey with his application for reconsideration, TRP, as well as his judicial review matters before the Federal Court,” Bramwell said.
Partey, 32, was denied a visitor visa to Canada on June 10 on the grounds of serious criminality, according to Bramwell. The Ghana international faces rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom and has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for next year.
Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, foreign nationals can be found inadmissible if authorities determine alleged conduct abroad would constitute a serious offence under Canadian law.
Bramwell said the legal team believes there are “reviewable errors” in the decision and argues that officials should reconsider the application in light of all available evidence.
“What we are asking for is due process and fairness,” she said.
The lawyer described the situation as an “exceptional circumstance,” noting that Partey is an accredited FIFA player seeking entry for a specific sporting purpose rather than to live or work in Canada.
The comments come as Ghana’s government publicly criticizes Canada’s decision. In a statement issued over the weekend, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the refusal “extremely unfair” and confirmed it had delivered an official note of protest to Canada.
The ministry said it is exploring “all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies” and confirmed discussions with Canadian officials are ongoing in hopes of reaching an amicable resolution.
Bramwell also indicated diplomatic discussions were taking place, though she declined to provide specifics.
“I know both countries are having diplomatic talks behind the scenes. I can’t comment on the extent of those talks,” she said.
Partey remains with Ghana’s squad in the United States and would be eligible to play in the team’s remaining group-stage matches outside Canada should the refusal stand.
Despite the setback, Bramwell said her client remains hopeful.
“He’s in positive spirits, and I can confirm that he’s hoping for the best,” she said.
NOW Toronto contacted Global Affairs Canada and the Prime Minister’s Office seeking comment on the matter, including whether any diplomatic discussions are taking place and whether the federal government believes the current immigration framework struck the right balance in this case. Neither office responded before publication.
