Thomas Partey out of Ghana’s World Cup opener after visa application to Canada refused

Ghana defender Thomas Partey has been denied a visa to Canada by the Canadian government, ruling him out of Ghana's opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, 17 June. FIFA confirmed the decision in an official statement, noting that Partey had been based at Ghana's team camp in Boston, USA. The visa refusal means Partey will be unable to travel across the border for the group stage fixture.