Ghana are fighting to get Thomas Partey cleared to play at the World Cup after the midfielder was refused entry to Canada ahead of their opening match against Panama.The former Arsenal star is currently unable to travel for Wednesday's Group L clash in Toronto after Canadian authorities denied him a visa.Now Ghana's government has launched a legal challenge in a bid to overturn the decision, with a court hearing scheduled to take place in Ottawa.Partey's availability for the tournament has been thrown into doubt after the visa issue emerged just days before Ghana's World Cup campaign gets under way.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayThe 33-year-old, who now plays for Villarreal in Spain, remains one of the most experienced members of the national team and has earned more than 50 caps for his country.According to the BBC, Ghana's government is seeking permission for Partey to enter Canada on a temporary basis so he can participate in the match against Panama.Officials are also attempting to secure the right for the midfielder to submit a fresh visa application.The case is expected to be heard at 2pm on Tuesday.Partey has 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 is due to stand trial next year.Ghanaian officials have publicly criticised Canada's decision, describing it as unfair and disproportionate.Foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that diplomatic efforts are also being explored as the country attempts to secure Partey's participation in the tournament.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Iran national anthem booed in Los Angeles before thrilling World Cup draw with New ZealandEmma Raducanu spotted kissing PR executive hours after Queen's Club final heartbreakHarry Maguire makes England retirement announcement after painful World Cup snubIt remains unclear when a final decision will be reached or whether the midfielder will be available in time for Ghana's opener.Canadian authorities, meanwhile, have defended their position.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said: "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."The dispute has created an unwanted distraction for Ghana ahead of one of the biggest matches in the nation's recent football history.Head coach Carlos Queiroz had already made it clear before the tournament that he was comfortable selecting Partey despite the off-field issues surrounding the player.The midfielder was included in Ghana's World Cup squad and had been expected to play a key role during the competition.Whether he gets that opportunity now remains uncertain.Ghana have been drawn alongside Panama, England and Croatia in Group L and face a difficult route to the knockout stages.After Wednesday's clash with Panama, they will take on England in Boston before concluding the group phase against Croatia in Philadelphia.Should Ghana progress as runners-up, they could even find themselves returning to Canada later in the tournament.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter