Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, the Member of Parliament for Kwabre East and a member of the parliamentary Sports Committee, has expressed deep regret over the current ordeal facing Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey.
Highlighting his status as an international player, the lawmaker emphasized that the unfolding situation is highly unfavorable and bound to take an emotional toll on him.
Speaking in an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline, the MP argued that while officials claim to be addressing the matter, FIFA needs to step in directly.
She lamented that any nation hosting the World Cup must treat participating teams and their athletes with utmost dignity and respect, maintaining that Canada had no valid basis for denying Partey a visa.
The lawmaker urged immediate action from football’s governing bodies to resolve the standoff before it is too late. She stated, “It is not too late in handling this issue. FIFA, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), come in and allow Thomas Partey to be granted his visa.”
Reassuring the Black Stars midfielder of unwavering domestic solidarity, she appealed directly to Canadian authorities to reverse their stance. “I want to assure Thomas Partey that we are solidly behind him. We support him,” she told show host Kwabena, adding that Ghanaians are united in backing the player.
To expedite a resolution, she proposed that the Speaker of Parliament intervene to ensure Partey is cleared to represent Ghana against Canada.
Reflecting on the broader cultural significance of the tournament, Salam noted that Ghanaians share a unique bond with the Black Stars during the World Cup, as the event fosters a profound sense of love, unity, and patriotism.
While she described the incident involving Partey as an unfortunate setback for a deeply invested nation, she ultimately encouraged the rest of the squad to remain focused and not allow the dispute to dampen their morale.
She reiterated that ample time remains for FIFA and the GFA to manage the situation effectively, pressure Canada to rescind its decision, and secure the necessary visa for the player.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
