Rabat – Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The Metropolitan Police say the alleged offenses involved three different women between 2021 and 2022.
Two of the rape charges relate to one woman, three relate to a second woman, and the single count of sexual assault relates to a third woman.
Partey, 32, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August. He has not been convicted of any offense and is presumed innocent under UK law
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorized the prosecution on 4 July after reviewing evidence.
CPS prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said the charges were brought following a “comprehensive file of evidence” and emphasized that Partey is entitled to a fair trial.
She warned that the public must avoid any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.
The police investigation began after an initial report of rape was made to detectives in February 2022.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said detectives have “worked closely” on the inquiry and that their priority is “providing support to the women who have come forward”.
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, said in a statement that the defendant “denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
“Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further,” added the statement.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022 on suspicion of rape, although at that time his identity was not disclosed publicly at the time.
He remained at Arsenal and continued to play for the club while the investigation was ongoing. The formal charges were only announced in July 2025, once the CPS gave approval
According to police and court filings, Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August 2025.
At that first hearing, the charges will be read, and the court will consider issues such as bail and legal representation.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2020, making 130 Premier League appearances over five seasons.
His contract expired on 30 June this year, leaving him a free agent. Before the charges became public, reports linked the Ghanaian midfielder with moves to Juventus, Barcelona, and Fenerbahçe as he sought a new club.
