Ghana officials filed an appeal Tuesday challenging Canada's refusal to grant midfielder Thomas Partey entry for the team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto. The Canadian federal court heard arguments just one day before the crucial group stage match, with Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling the visa denial a 'high-handed and extremely unfair decision.'

Partey awaits trial in Britain on multiple rape charges dating to his Arsenal tenure from 2020 to 2025. The midfielder, who played for Villarreal this past season, has pleaded not guilty to allegations from several women. His lawyer confirmed in March that Partey intends to contest two new rape charges stemming from a December 2020 incident, adding to five existing counts and one sexual assault charge.

Coach Carlos Queiroz defended including Partey in the World Cup squad, citing the presumption of innocence principle. Ghana's base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, will host the team regardless of Tuesday's appeal outcome. Even if denied entry for the Panama match, Partey remains eligible to face England on June 23 in Massachusetts and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.