Thomas Partey has been charged with rape and sexual assault.placeholder image
Thomas Partey has been charged with rape and sexual assault. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The ex Arsenal midfielder has denied the charges.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault over offences reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
The Ghanaian international denies the charges and his lawyer says that the player ‘welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name’. Partey was an Arsenal player at the time of the offences, having arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in 2020.
The 32-year-old’s contract at Arsenal ended on Monday after weeks of speculation over a potential extension. Partey made 167 appearances for the Gunners, scoring nine goals and winning the Community Shield in 2023.
Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault
The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape. Det Supt Andy Furphy, who leads the investigation, said: "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. 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 [email protected]"
Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5. A statement from his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: "Thomas Partey 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."
The footballer has played 53 times for his country, representing Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. During his time at Atletico Madrid, he won La Liga, the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.
Partey made 52 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal last season. He played 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Southampton on the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
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