Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been refused a visa by the Canadian authorities.

As a result, Partey will not be able to join Ghana’s squad for their opening World Cup fixture against Panama in Toronto.

The 32-year-old has entered a plea of not guilty to seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault, which stem from allegations made by four separate women between 2020 and 2022.

His trial is scheduled to take place next year.

In a statement, FIFA confirmed that the ex-Villarreal player — who represented Arsenal from 2020 to 2025 — will be prevented from travelling from Ghana’s training camp in Boston after his “visa application was refused by the Canadian government.”

FIFA further clarified: “FIFA is not involved in the immigration procedures of host nations, including the assessment or issuance of visas.

“The host government retains the sole authority to decide who is granted a visa and permitted entry into the country.”