Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has launched a scathing attack on FIFA following the decision that will see Thomas Partey miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The influential midfielder has been ruled out of Ghana’s Group L clash against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application. The development has sparked outrage within Ghanaian football circles, particularly given that Partey was previously granted entry into the United States, where the Black Stars have established their tournament base.
Speaking in an interview with TV3, Adams accused FIFA of failing to adequately defend the interests of players and participating nations, describing the governing body’s response to the controversy as deeply disappointing.
“And that is why I am equally very much disappointed in the behaviour of FIFA, the world governing football body, in handling situations that have arisen as part of this FIFA World Cup 2026,” Adams said.
“I think they have poorly handled a lot of things and the earlier they sit up, better.”
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The minister rejected FIFA’s position that immigration decisions remain the exclusive responsibility of host governments, arguing that players selected to compete at the world’s biggest football tournament should not be prevented from fulfilling their duties due to entry restrictions.
“FIFA cannot say that it cannot interfere with the internal affairs of the host countries as to whether they admit a person into their country or not. This should not have been the position, especially for a player.”
According to Adams, the matter goes beyond border control and raises concerns about the integrity and fairness of the competition itself.
“For you to just say that they can choose based on their national laws to deny a player, not a fan, but a player, a key player for that matter, who finds himself as being selected in the first team, and for FIFA to issue such a lame statement is so unfortunate.”
He further maintained that nations chosen to host major sporting events typically commit to facilitating the participation of athletes, officials and competing delegations.
“There are many clauses that they sign on to. Amongst them are unfettered rights to clubs that may be participating if it’s a club competition or nations that will be participating, and their athletes would have to be given visas.”
Adams suggested that the Partey incident reflects wider organisational shortcomings surrounding the tournament, citing other cases involving travel and entry complications.
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One example he highlighted was Somali referee Omar Artan, who reportedly faced difficulties entering the United States despite receiving an official FIFA appointment for the competition.
“We saw a referee that FIFA itself has appointed and has been denied entry. And now we’ve seen athletes or players who have been searched on their body with all kinds of sniffing dogs.”
The minister also pointed to the differing approaches taken by Canada and the United States in Partey’s case. While Canadian authorities denied him entry, American officials approved his visa application, allowing him to travel and remain with Ghana’s squad in the United States.
“Thomas has been issued a visa to America recently. He applied in the United Kingdom and was issued a visa to enter the United States. That is why he’s in America currently.”
Despite his criticism, Adams acknowledged Canada’s sovereign authority over immigration matters but appealed for a review of the decision before Ghana’s campaign progresses further.
“I think the higher authority has the opportunity to review this decision, and they must do so.”
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Partey is currently facing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Through his legal representatives, he has denied all allegations, and the case remains before the courts.
The Arsenal midfielder’s absence represents a major setback for Ghana ahead of their meeting with Panama on June 17. However, he remains available for selection in the Black Stars’ subsequent group-stage fixtures against England and Croatia, both of which will be played in the United States.
