Canada’s immigration, refugee and citizenship department
Ghana’s Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada for the World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto. FIFA says the decision is a host-country immigration matter; Ghana protests and pursues diplomacy while Partey remains eligible for later games in the United States. The case heightens scrutiny of visa rules around major events.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada for a World Cup clash with Germany after authorities briefly barred him from entering. The move follows reports he was linked to a probe into sports corruption in France. FIF says it has confidence in him and he will join the squad in Toronto for the group match.
Two dissidents connected to China’s pro-democracy movement have arrived in Canada after multiple failed escape attempts from China. Dong Guangping, a 68-year-old former police officer, has fled across Southeast Asia and now seeks safety in Toronto, citing severe restrictions on freedom and ongoing police monitoring in China. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, arrests linked to a national security crackdown have raised concerns about press freedom and political dissent ahead of the 29th anniversary of the handover.