"Even with allegations of sexually assaulting four women, he will play in the World Cup?" Ghana national team, expelled from Canada, now enters the U.S. ... "Preparing for the England match"

*This content was translated by AI.

Thomas Partey (33, Villarreal), a Ghana national team midfielder who was barred from entering Canada on sexual crime charges and missed the first group stage match of the World Cup, is expected to play in the second match held in the United States.

On the 23rd (Korean time), the UK's BBC reported, "Partey, who has been granted permission to enter the U.S., is expected to participate in the second group stage match of the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup, Group L, against England, to be held at Boston Stadium in the U.S. on the 24th."

Previously, Partey was denied entry to Canada due to the fallout from a criminal trial for sexual crimes underway in the UK, preventing him from playing in the first group stage match against Panama last week. He has been charged with committing seven counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual harassment against four women between 2020 and 2022, and is facing trial next year. Partey's side strongly denies all allegations.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) denied Partey entry, stating, "The criteria for applying immigration laws do not change just because a large-scale international tournament is being held," and added, "All individuals wishing to enter must undergo legal review without exception, and the safety and security of citizens must be the top priority."

However, the U.S. took a different stance. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a statement last week, explaining, "The U.S. government is also aware of Partey's trial situation, but since he is not currently a convicted criminal, a visa was issued normally, granting him entry."

Having entered the U.S., Partey, ahead of the match against England, said, "This is also part of football," and added, "There are issues outside the stadium that are beyond my control. My current condition is fine, and I have completed all preparations to play."

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*This content was translated by AI.