The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has disclosed that midfielder Thomas Partey was re-issued a United States visa due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He revealed that prior to the tournament, the Villarreal midfielder’s five-year US visa had been withdrawn by the authorities for unspecified reasons.
However, after consultations, it was clarified that Partey was entering the country primarily for the World Cup, and his visa was subsequently restored
“The United States of America has admitted Thomas Partey. That is why today, as we speak, he is in America. Were Americans not aware of the charges? The Americans previously withdrew their five-year visa. Yes, they withdrew it, but they understood that Thomas Partey was coming for a specific purpose,” he said in an interview with TV3.
Kofi Adams went on to criticize Canadian authorities for denying Partey a visa, describing the decision as unfair and wrongful. He urged them to take reference from the US approach and issue the visa so Partey can play for the national team.
“Thomas Partey himself is in good spirits. He is ready to play once allowed to enter. That is why it is very necessary that Canada, the rightful authorities, review the position they have taken. It is possibly a minority position, and it must not be accepted in any way. Canada should just copy what America did.
America withdrew his five-year visa earlier because that would have allowed him entry at any time. But now, knowing that he was coming for a purpose, they have reissued him an entry visa. That is why he has entered America and is going about his duty. Finally, before tomorrow, the appropriate authority or the court should review the decision, considering the rules that exist,” he noted.
As the team prepares to face Panama in their World Cup opener on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, it emerged that the Villarreal midfielder was denied a Canadian visa due to rape charges he is currently facing, a decision he is contesting in court.