Kofi Adams Slams FIFA Over Thomas Partey Visa Saga,

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has intensified criticism of FIFA over the decision by Canadian authorities to deny a visa to Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on TV3 on Friday, Adams expressed disappointment with FIFA’s handling of the situation, arguing that the governing body had failed to adequately protect the interests of participating nations and their players.

According to the Minister, FIFA’s position that it cannot interfere in immigration decisions taken by host countries is insufficient in a case involving an accredited player selected to represent his nation on football’s biggest stage.

“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,” he said.

“I think they have poorly handled a lot of things and the earlier they sit up, better.”

Adams questioned why a player deemed eligible by FIFA could be prevented from taking part in the competition.

“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.

“Who has been accepted by FIFA itself that the player is qualified to play, the player has no offending the rules, the player has no offending FIFA rules, the player has no offending any of the continental football regulations or rules. And so he’s very qualified to play.”

The Minister stressed that the matter concerns a key member of Ghana’s squad rather than an ordinary supporter seeking entry into the country.

“And for you to just say that they can choose based on their national laws to deny a player, not a fan, not someone who is a fan, a player, a key player for that matter, who finds himself as being selected in the first team, playing in team A to be denied, and for FIFA to issue such a lame statement is so unfortunate.”

Adams further argued that host nations are generally expected to guarantee access for athletes, officials and participating delegations when bidding to stage major international tournaments.

“There are many clauses that they sign to. Amongst them is to unfettered rights to clubs and or 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.”

“And it doesn’t look like this is working as far as the FIFA 2026 World Cup is concerned.”

The Minister also referenced other reported incidents linked to the tournament, suggesting the Partey issue reflects broader concerns surrounding the competition.

“We saw a referee that FIFA itself has appointed, been denied entry. And now we’ve seen athletes or players who have been searched to their body with all kinds of sniffing dogs.”

Adams noted that Partey has continued to travel internationally despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom and recently obtained a visa to enter the United States, where Ghana are currently based.

“Thomas has been issued visa to America recently. He applied in United Kingdom. He went to the London office of United States of America and he’s been issued a visa to be able to enter United States of America. That is why he’s in America currently.”

“Thomas has been applying his trade in Europe. He’s been moving around, entering London and out.”

While acknowledging that the final decision rests with Canadian authorities, Adams called for the matter to be reconsidered.

“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.”

“But I think higher authority has opportunity to review this decision and they must do so.”

The controversy has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of Ghana’s World Cup campaign, with the Black Stars facing the prospect of beginning their tournament without one of their most experienced midfielders as debate continues over immigration policy, sporting fairness and the obligations of host nations.