Partey previously represented Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
A Canadian court has heard an appeal against the decision not to grant Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey a visa.
Partey is set to miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after beingdenied entry to Canada.
The 33-year-old's visa issues relate to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK.
Partey pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape. one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022 and is due to stand trial next year.
The Ghanaian government, which labelled the decision "high-handed. extremely unfair", is seeking permission for Partey to enter Canada briefly to take part in Ghana's match.
It has also asked the court to instruct Canadian immigration authorities to allow Partey to submit a new visa application.
The appeal hearing took place at a federal court in Ottawa on Tuesday.
Ghana's foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said the country is also exploring diplomatic means to secure a Canadian visa for the former Arsenal player.
It is unclear how long the court proceedings will take.
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Ghana boss Queiroz no qualms over Partey selection
Immigration, Refugees. Citizenship Canada told the BBC: ''Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws.
"Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.''
Partey. now at Spanish side Villarreal, has earned more than 50 caps for Ghana since making his debut in June 2016.
Before the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Quieroz said he had no qualms over selecting Partey.
He was asked again about the matter on Tuesday.
"My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me," he said. "We are waiting for a decision. When the decision [arrives], we are ready."
Ghana play England in Boston on 23 June. Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June, but could return to Canada in the last 32 if they finish as runners-up in Group L.
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