Former Premier League star, accused of rape, to miss World Cup game after being denied entry into Canada

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One of the stars of Ghana’s World Cup team will be absent for its tournament opener in Canada after being denied entry into the country.

Thomas Partey, formerly of Arsenal, who now plays for Villarreal in La Liga, is currently facing seven counts of rape, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.

“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” FIFA said in a statement, via The Athletic.

“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

Five of the charges were brought last July by the London Metropolitan Police, and two more came earlier this year.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz explained why he picked Partey for his World Cup squad while he awaits trial.

Queiroz cited a presumption of innocence for Partey, criticized the quick judgments of modern social media and spoke philosophically in comments late Monday ahead of a warm-up game in Wales.

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey walking outside Southwark Crown Court in London

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“Let events run its normal course, let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we will find the truth,” said Queiroz, a veteran coach going to his fifth straight World Cup after leading his native Portugal and Iran at previous editions.

Ghana is set to open its tournament on Wednesday against Panama in Toronto. Ghana will then play England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and then on June 27 at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.