President of FIFA is Gianni Infantino
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has criticised FIFA over its handling of the visa denial that will prevent Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey from participating in Ghana's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada.
Speaking on TV3 on Friday, June 12, 2026, the minister expressed disappointment with what he described as FIFA's weak response to the controversy, arguing that the world football governing body had failed to adequately protect the interests of participating nations and their players.
Adams questioned FIFA's position that it could not interfere in immigration decisions made by host countries, insisting that the organisation has a responsibility to ensure that accredited players are not unfairly prevented from taking part in its competitions.
"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," he said.
"I think they have poorly handled a lot of things and the earlier they sit up, better."
The Sports Minister argued that FIFA's claim that it cannot interfere in the internal affairs of host countries should not apply when it concerns players who have met all eligibility requirements to participate in the tournament.
"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," he stated.
According to Adams, Partey has not violated any FIFA regulations and remains eligible to represent Ghana at the World Cup.
'This is disgraceful’ - Social media erupts after Thomas Partey denied Canada visa
He stressed that the issue involves a key member of Ghana's national team rather than an ordinary supporter seeking entry into Canada.
"And 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 selected in the first team, and for FIFA to issue such a lame statement is so unfortunate," he added.
The visa denial means Partey is expected to miss Ghana's opening Group H clash against Panama despite playing a crucial role in the Black Stars' qualification campaign.
Adams further argued that countries hosting major international sporting events are generally required to provide access to participating athletes, officials and delegations as part of the commitments they make before being awarded hosting rights.
"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. They will not be denied such things," he said.
He suggested that recent developments surrounding preparations for the tournament indicate that some of these commitments may not be fully honoured.
The minister cited reports of a FIFA-appointed referee allegedly being denied entry and concerns over security screening procedures involving players and officials.
Adams also contrasted Canada's decision with that of the United States and several European countries, noting that Partey continues to travel internationally despite ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
He revealed that the midfielder was recently granted a visa to enter the United States and is currently with the Black Stars at their training base in Boston.
"Thomas has been issued a visa to America recently. He applied in the United Kingdom and was granted entry. That is why he is in America currently," he said.
The minister added that Partey has continued to travel across Europe while complying with all legal requirements imposed by the courts.
While acknowledging that the final decision rests with Canadian authorities, Adams appealed for a review of the visa refusal, warning that the implications extend beyond Ghana's World Cup campaign.
"I think the higher authority has the opportunity to review this decision, and they must do so," he stated.
AM
Engineers' body calls for mandatory verification of foundations before concrete works
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
