Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him at Southwark Crown Court.
The former Arsenal midfielder appeared in court on Wednesday morning on charges of rape and sexual assault.
Former Arsenal Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London on September 17, 2025. The 32-year-old Ghana international has been charged with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS JASSO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Partey has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him at Southwark Crown CourtCredit: AFP
Partey is charged with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
During the plea hearing, Partey spoke to confirm his name before pleading not guilty to each of the charges against him.
His trial is scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026 at Southwark Crown Court.
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The Ghana international has been granted bail until that date following his not guilty plea.
He was previously granted conditional bail at a court appearance on August 5, having been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service on July 4.
The conditions allow Partey to continue playing football but he must notify police of any international travel 24 hours in advance.
In addition, he must not contact the complainants under the terms of his bail.
Partey subsequently joined Spanish side Villarreal following his release from Arsenal at the end of June.
The 32-year-old featured for Villarreal as a second half substitute in their Champions League defeat to Tottenham on Tuesday.
Former Arsenal Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London on September 17, 2025. The 32-year-old Ghana international has been charged with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS JASSO/AFP via Getty Images)
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The midfielder appeared in court on Wednesday after being granted conditional bail last monthCredit: AFP
He played the final 12 minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after replacing Santi Comesana in the 78th minute.
Villarreal acknowledged Partey's situation after confirming his signing on a one-year deal.
A club statement released at the time said: "The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England.
"The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him.
"The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case.
"Due to the law in England in relation to the ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further."
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Former Arsenal Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London on September 17, 2025. The 32-year-old Ghana international has been charged with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS JASSO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Partey has been bailed until his trial starts on November 2, 2026Credit: AFP
Prior to joining Villarreal, Partey spent five years with the Gunners between 2020 and 2025.
During that time, he made 167 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals from midfield.