World Cup 2026: Canada argues Thomas Partey's reputation is not its responsibility in visa battle

[caption id="attachment_1262307" align="alignnone" width="1368"] Thomas Partey[/caption]Canadian immigration authorities have argued that any damage to Thomas Partey's reputation resulting from his ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom is not Canada's responsibility, insisting the midfielder can still seek entry into the country if he is ultimately cleared.The submission formed part of Tuesday's emergency Federal Court hearing, where Partey is seeking to overturn the decision denying him entry into Canada ahead of Ghana's opening match against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.During the hearing, lawyers representing Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI) argued that concerns about the Ghana international's reputation should not influence the court's decision.According to the government, the criminal charges were brought in the United Kingdom, not Canada, and any reputational consequences stem from those proceedings rather than Canada's immigration decision.Government lawyers further argued that if Partey is eventually acquitted of all charges, he would be free to submit a fresh application to enter Canada in the future.The argument came in response to Partey's legal team, who contended that refusing the midfielder entry before his case has been determined could cause irreparable harm to both his professional career and personal reputation.Canada's lawyers also maintained that a criminal conviction is not required under immigration law to justify refusing entry and argued that Partey should not receive special treatment because he is a professional footballer representing Ghana at the FIFA World Cup.Partey's legal team, however, urged the court to exercise its discretion, citing previous cases in which Temporary Resident Permits had been granted to other high-profile individuals.The Black Stars midfielder has remained in the United States after Canadian authorities refused his Temporary Resident Visa, preventing him from travelling with the rest of Ghana's squad to Toronto.Partey has denied all the charges against him through his legal representatives, and the criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom remain ongoing.The Federal Court judge has reserved his decision after hearing arguments from both sides, with a ruling expected before Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama.