Why Thomas Partey is allowed to face England in US despite being denied entry to Canada as FIFA stance clear

Thomas Tuchel has finally found the winning formula for an England midfield that Gareth Southgate could never get right. But as the Three Lions go up against Ghana in the second group stage fixture, Thomas Partey will make a surprise return to action after missing the opening fixture.

The 33-year-old central midfielder is one of a handful of names in the Ghana squad that will be looking to take down England, taking to the pitch alongside Antione Samenyo (who himself could have easily been on the opposite side).

But for those who tuned into the first game between Ghana and Panama, Partey's re-addition to the squad may come as a surprise.

In the first match of the tournament, Partey was denied a Visa to be able to travel to the stadium in this multi-national World Cup.

However, he will now be allowed to play against England.

Thomas Partey to feature against England as Visa issues persist

Partey's Visa denial was on behalf of the Canadian government, which refused his entry into the country amid the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

The Ghanaian footballer pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He awaits a trial in London, UK.

But he isn't banned from the tournament. FIFA has allowed him to participate, but has no control over the government of each of the three host countries.

"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."

The England versus Ghana match will be played in Boston, USA, and Partey has had a Visa accepted for America.

Ghana has been stationed at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for their World Cup base camp, and Partey is allowed to move between states, which means he will have no issues representing his country in Boston.

Four days later, Ghana face Croatia in Philadelphia, USA, where Partey will also be available for selection.

However, the issue could become pertinent again if the Group L standings persist, as Ghana, currently second in the table, would face a Round of 32 fixture against DR Congo in Toronto, Canada.

This is an issue that the Ghana boss knew could arise before the tournament, choosing to select him anyway.

"If the player is here with me, my answer is clear," said head coach Carlos Queiroz.

"I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here, so what are we talking about?

"This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.

"Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth."

He is assured to start for Ghana in the heart of their midfield against England, occupying Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Elliot Anderson in the middle of the pitch.