Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has appeared before the Federal Court in Ottawa as legal proceedings commence regarding the denial of his visa application to enter Canada ahead of Ghana’s opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama.
Court documents sighted indicate that an application for leave and judicial review was filed on June 15, 2026, under case number IMM-12882-26.
The matter is listed as an immigration case arising outside Canada and is scheduled to be heard in Ottawa.
Below are live updates from the hearing in Canada:
Thomas Teye Partey vs MCI - Stay Motion hearing has started . Judge Lafreniere sitting. Contrary to a lot of tweets you have seen here about a visa been granted, a proper outcome will be known AFTER this hearing.
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) June 16, 2026
Partey lawyer says application was filled by secondary party on his behalf so cannot be liable for absence of info on UK charges. Judge says case law shows if you sign doc it's yours. Recess for 15 mins https://t.co/w6wzCUSQMT
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) June 16, 2026
Partey's lawyer makes the case that there is a not guilty plea and Partey will have his day in court. That he is not subject of a travel ban. His passport hasn't been seized. Partey allowed entry to US. https://t.co/exzwp81GWR
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) June 16, 2026
Partey did not disclose His UK charges to the USA according to his lawyer
— E.Dadzie (@Ebo_dadzie) June 16, 2026
MCI reinforces the point that information was withheld on the application regarding the UK charges. https://t.co/0rI0yvGp1P
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) June 16, 2026
The Crown is ontop of this. He argues Partey should not be given any special treatment
— E.Dadzie (@Ebo_dadzie) June 16, 2026
COURT UPDATE
— Austine (@obiMpenaAustine) June 16, 2026
Canadian authorities tell Judge Thomas Partey DID NOT disclose in his application he had been charged in the UK but Partey’s lawyers said he didn’t make application but a 3rd party did
Judge says once Partey signed those documents, the law says it’s yours
Recess
MCI says on the matter reputational damage that isn't their burden cos it's a UK charge. If found not guilty, he can always enter Canada On irreparable damage says Ghana has played in other WC. Partey himself played at the previous one. https://t.co/D3IURrIdc0
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) June 16, 2026
If the Partey case is now being heard in court, where from the news all over social media that he's been granted a visa?
— Kafui Dey (@KafuiDey) June 16, 2026
Getting facts right applies to social media commentary too you know?
The GFA has a legal department, right? Cos what I’m reading paa di3 dem for sack everyone from there..
— Kwadwo Sheldon (@kwadwosheldon) June 16, 2026
The Crown says there is no evidence Partey will start tomorrow
— E.Dadzie (@Ebo_dadzie) June 16, 2026
Can't believe they put on their affidavit that Partey has never played in a world cup before
— E.Dadzie (@Ebo_dadzie) June 16, 2026
One thing is becoming clear from today’s proceedings: the GFA didn’t do its job for Thomas Partey.
— MacJordan 👨🏾💻🇨🇦🇬🇭 (@MacJordaN) June 16, 2026
Whether through oversight or poor preparation, a situation that should have been managed long ago has now ended up in court. 🇬🇭⚽️
Court concluded! Decision to follow soon
— E.Dadzie (@Ebo_dadzie) June 16, 2026
Partey's lawyer wraps up by saying that several persons including artists and actors have been granted entry via TRP https://t.co/qw1OymaqYg
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) June 16, 2026
Judge says he is off to consider his decision after hearing all arguments. Case has come to an end. I guess we will all hear verdict when it comes out. Beware fake news https://t.co/dKS79oOcZB
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) June 16, 2026
Partey's lawyer asks judge to consider speed in his decision since time is an issue for her client. He is willing to do whatever including signing an undertaking to be allowed entry . https://t.co/4QrKuxkJ27
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) June 16, 2026
