Ghanaian foreign ministry

The Ghanaian Foreign Ministry: Ghana's government has strongly criticised Canada's decision to refuse a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, a move that will prevent the player from featuring in the country's opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama on June 17.

The Ghanaian Foreign Ministry described the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair" and confirmed that it had formally protested to Canadian authorities while seeking a review of the ruling.

According to the Ministry, Canadian officials based their decision on ongoing criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom. The 32-year-old footballer, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal and previously represented Arsenal, has denied allegations of rape and sexual assault brought against him in Britain.