2026 World Cup: Sports Minister Kofi Adams slams FIFA over Thomas Partey visa refusal response

Ghana's Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has strongly criticised FIFA's handling of the Thomas Partey visa controversy, accusing the world football governing body of failing to protect the interests of players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking on TV3 on Friday, June 12, Adams expressed disappointment with FIFA's response after Canada denied Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey entry for Ghana's opening Group H match against Panama on June 17.

The Minister described the situation as a dangerous precedent that could undermine the integrity of international sporting competitions, arguing that FIFA should play a more active role when accredited players are prevented from participating in its tournaments. "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," Adams said. "I think they have poorly handled a lot of things and the earlier they sit up, better." FIFA has maintained that immigration decisions fall under the jurisdiction of host nations and are beyond its control.

However, Adams rejected that position, insisting that the governing body has an obligation to ensure that players selected by their countries are able to participate in the competition. According to the Minister, Partey has met all football-related eligibility requirements and has not violated any FIFA regulations or disciplinary measures that would warrant his exclusion from 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.

Adams argued that the issue goes beyond a routine immigration matter because it concerns a key member of Ghana's national team rather than a supporter travelling to watch matches. He described FIFA's public reaction as inadequate and lacking appreciation for the sporting implications of the decision. "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 for his national team, and for FIFA to issue such a lame statement is so unfortunate," he added. Partey's absence is a major setback for Ghana ahead of their World Cup opener against Panama.

The midfielder played a significant role in the Black Stars' qualification campaign and was expected to be one of the team's key figures at the tournament. The Sports Minister further argued that countries awarded major sporting events typically commit to granting participating athletes, officials and delegations unrestricted access to ensure the smooth running of competitions. "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," Adams said. He suggested that recent incidents surrounding the World Cup indicate that some of those commitments are not being fully honoured. "And it doesn't look like this is working as far as the FIFA 2026 World Cup is concerned." Adams also referenced other reported incidents during preparations for the tournament, claiming the Partey situation was not an isolated case. "We saw a referee that FIFA itself has appointed and has been denied entry.

And now we've seen athletes or players who have been searched on their body with all kinds of sniffing dogs," he said. The Minister contrasted Canada's decision with the approach taken by other countries, noting that Partey had recently been granted entry into the United States and continues to travel internationally despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. The midfielder is currently with the Black Stars at their training base in Boston after securing a visa to enter the United States. "Thomas has been issued a visa to America recently.

He applied in the United Kingdom and was issued a visa to be able to enter the United States of America. That is why he's in America currently," Adams explained. He added that Partey has continued to travel across Europe while complying with all court-imposed conditions.

Although acknowledging that the final decision rests with Canadian authorities, Adams urged officials to reconsider the matter, warning that its implications extend beyond Ghana's World Cup campaign. "People are asking all manner of questions. People are raising all manner of things that I don't want to talk about on this platform," he said. "But I think the higher authority has the opportunity to review this decision, and they must do so." The visa refusal has emerged as one of the most controversial issues surrounding Ghana's participation in the World Cup, sparking debate among football fans, administrators and legal experts over whether a player who has not been convicted of any offence should be prevented from representing his country on football's biggest stage.

With Ghana's opening match against Panama rapidly approaching, uncertainty remains over whether diplomatic efforts, legal challenges or further discussions involving FIFA could lead to a reversal of the decision. After facing Panama, Ghana will take on England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before concluding their Group L campaign against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27. Partey remains eligible to feature in both matches.