Law lecturer explains how Partey's Canadian visa denial could be overturned

International Law Lecturer at MountCrest University, Michael Doudou, has said that Ghana will need to explore diplomatic channels in order to convince Canada to reverse Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey’s visa denial.

As the team prepares to face Panama in their World Cup opener on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, it emerged that the Villarreal midfielder was denied a Canadian visa due to the rape charges he is currently facing in court.

Commenting on the matter, the law lecturer noted that the decision is within Canada’s rights, as every sovereign state determines who is eligible to enter its territory in order to safeguard national interests.

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“So the point being made here is that Canada, as a sovereign nation, has every right. And let me state that qualifying to participate in the tournament does not mean you have an automatic right of entry by virtue of that qualification, whether Mexico, Canada, or the US. It all boils down to the state,” he told JoyNews during an interview.

Michael Doudou further explained that filing a suit for judges to rule on the matter in a timely manner is another option that could be explored.

However, he stressed that the best way to resolve the issue is to appeal directly to Canadian authorities, urging them to allow Partey to play. He cautioned that any other approach might be complicated.

“So how do we expect the federal court in Canada, not just a provincial court, to constitute judges, hear arguments, and then rule on this matter within three days before the match itself on Wednesday?

The route may not be so clear. We have to go and beg, and hopefully procure some form of waiver. Perhaps this particular restriction in their law could be relaxed just to enable him to participate in the tournament. So we can use diplomatic channels, and that is what I believe the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is attempting,” the lecturer stated.

Watch the video below:

The Thomas Partey Canada visa controversy: If we want Thomas Partey to partake in the match, we have to go and beg.

- Michael Doudou. International Law Lecturer, MountCrest Universityhttps://t.co/5Oes4z9qMp#JoyNews | #TheProbe pic.twitter.com/V264ElkBfM

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) June 14, 2026