Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with rape.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced on Friday that the 32-year-old has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Investigations into Partey started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape.
The charges are broken down as two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape relating to a second woman, and one count of sexual assault relating to a third woman.
Those incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
Thomas Partey of Arsenal
Thomas Partey is leaving Arsenal (Image: James Gill/Getty Images)
“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk”
Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
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“We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Partey left Arsenal at the end of his contract earlier this week and was linked with a move to many top European clubs. The Gunners will come under extreme scrutiny for continuing to play the midfielder.
The Ghana international joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid in a £45million deal and played 167 times for the Gunners.
Partey played 52 times in all competitions for Arsenal last season, including 35 Premier League appearances. He is now a free agent after leaving the Emirates despite reports that Mikel Arteta expressed a desire to retain him.