Milan, 12 June (LaPresse) – Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his national team’s opening World Cup match in Toronto against Panama after being denied entry to Canada, according to the BBC. Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault, relating to allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. His trial is scheduled for next year. In a statement, FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal player, now at Villarreal, will not be able to travel from Ghana’s training camp in Boston, as his visa application has been “rejected by the Canadian government”. FIFA, the world football governing body, added: “It is not involved in the immigration procedures of host countries, including the granting of visas. It is the host country’s government that ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into the country.” Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges, but is awaiting trial and has not yet been convicted.