Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey charged with rape

Former Arsenal and Ghana national team player Thomas Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the UK’s Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday.

The charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, and involve three different women. According to police, two of the rape charges relate to one woman, another three charges to a second woman, and the sexual assault allegation involves a third.

Partey, 32, denies all allegations. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated, “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.” She added that he would not be commenting further due to ongoing legal proceedings.

The charges follow a police investigation launched in February 2022 after an initial report of rape. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the case, emphasized that “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.”

Partey, who lives in Hertfordshire, is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5.

His contract with Arsenal officially ended earlier this week, concluding a four-year stint with the North London club. Partey joined Arsenal in a 45.3 million pounds (USD 61.8 million) move from Atlético Madrid in 2020 and made 130 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals. He featured prominently in the 2023–24 season, helping the club finish second in the league and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Internationally, Partey has earned over 50 caps for Ghana and last represented his country in World Cup qualifying matches in March.