LONDON – Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was charged Friday with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following a three-year investigation by the Metropolitan Police. The 32-year-old Ghanaian international faces allegations involving three women, with the incidents reportedly occurring between 2021 and 2022.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges after reviewing what officials described as a “comprehensive file of evidence” submitted by detectives. Partey will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5 to face the allegations.
The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32, of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape, One count of sexual assault,” the Metropolitan Police stated in an official announcement Friday afternoon.
The charges come just five days after Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, ending his four-year stint with the North London club. The midfielder had joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million, making him the most expensive Ghanaian player in history.
Charges Relate to Three Separate Women
According to police, the charges are broken down as follows: two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts of rape relate to a second woman, and one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman. None of the alleged victims can be named for legal reasons.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, emphasized the priority of supporting the victims. “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward,” Furphy said. “We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team.”
The detective urged potential witnesses or those affected to contact investigators at CIT@met.police.uk. The investigation began in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape.
Partey Denies All Allegations
Through his legal representative, Partey vigorously denied all charges against him. Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose solicitors issued a statement on behalf of the footballer Friday afternoon.
“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation,” Wiltshire stated. “He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The lawyer added that due to ongoing legal proceedings, her client would be unable to comment further on the case. The statement emphasized Partey’s cooperation with authorities throughout the lengthy investigation process.
Arrested in 2022 While Playing for Arsenal
Partey was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not publicly named at the time due to legal restrictions. Despite being under investigation, he continued to play for Arsenal throughout the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons while on bail.
Records show the midfielder made more than 50 appearances for the Gunners while the investigation was ongoing. He featured in 33 matches during the 2022-23 season, scoring three goals including Arsenal’s Goal of the Season in a v
