Former Arsenal and Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed. The alleged offences involve three women and are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
According to police, two of the rape charges relate to one woman, three to another, and the sexual assault charge involves a third. The investigation began in February 2022 after authorities received the first report of rape. Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the inquiry, said the priority remains “providing support to the women who have come forward,” and encouraged anyone with information to contact detectives.
Partey, 32, has denied all allegations. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that he “has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” She added that he would not be commenting further due to ongoing legal proceedings. Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.
Partey’s contract with Arsenal officially ended on Monday. He joined the North London club in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for £45.3 million, making 130 Premier League appearances and scoring nine goals.
He also featured prominently in the club’s Champions League campaign last season and has earned over 50 caps for Ghana’s national team, most recently playing in World Cup qualifiers in March.
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