Thomas Partey has been refused entry by the Canadian government and will not play for Ghana in their World Cup opener.The midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court in September on charges of rape and sexual assault, which he denied.Partey has been denied entry into CanadaGettyPartey was charged with two further counts of rape earlier this year and pleaded not guilty.“Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him,” the 32-year-old’s defence lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said in February, with his trial due to take place in November.“He has cooperated fully with the police throughout. Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, there will be no further comment.”Partey was named in the Ghana squad for the World Cup, with their first match coming against Panama on June 18 at 12am UK time.However, he will not be able to play at the BMO Field in Toronto as his visa application has been refused.A statement read: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.“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.”Partey will be able to play for Ghana in their other Group L matches against England and Croatia.Both fixtures take place in the United States, where the ex-Arsenal player has already been given entry.Partey will not be able to play against Panama next weekGettyGhana are based at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island for the World Cup.More to follow…World Cup WhatsAppDon't miss an update from talkSPORT in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings. Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.