By Ritah Atukwatse,
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been officially charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the UK.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 and involve three women. Two rape charges are connected to one woman, while three others are related to a second woman. The sexual assault charge involves a third woman.
Partey, a 32-year-old Ghanaian international, strongly denies the accusations. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said that he has cooperated with the police throughout the investigation and is ready to prove his innocence in court.
“He welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” she said in a statement.
The investigation into Partey began in February 2022 after police received the first report of rape. He is expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 August.
Partey’s contract with Arsenal officially ended on 30 June 2025, following five years with the London club. Arsenal declined to comment on the charges due to the ongoing legal case. The Premier League and the Football Association also chose not to make any statements.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said their main focus is supporting the victims. He encouraged anyone with information about the case to contact the police by emailing CIT@met.police.uk.
Thomas Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45.3 million. He made 130 Premier League appearances and scored nine goals. Last season, he played 35 games and helped Arsenal finish second in the league. He also featured in 12 Champions League matches as Arsenal reached the semi-finals.
Partey has represented Ghana over 50 times and played in World Cup qualifying matches as recently as March 2025.
As the legal process unfolds, Partey remains out of the spotlight and has not made any public comments about the charges.
