Thomas Partey Faces Court Over Rape Charges: What To Know

Newsweek

7 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal soccer star who is set to join Villareal, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Tuesday, to face charges of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The charges, brought by the London Metropolitan Police on July 4, relate to incidents alleged to have occurred by the former player between 2021 and 2022, and involve three women.
Partey, 32, who most recently played for Arsenal soccer club in London in the English Premier League, has denied all allegations.
This first court appearance marks the beginning of formal proceedings in a case that has been under investigation since February 2022.
The Context
Cases involving high-profile athletes can draw significant public interest. Partey continued to play for Arsenal following the accusations. His contract has since expired with the club.
The charges against Partey involve allegations from 2021 and 2022. These complaints were first reported in February 2022, which marked the beginning of the investigation.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022, but not publicly identified due to U.K. privacy laws.
The Crown Prosecution Service determined there was a "realistic prospect of conviction," and filed charges in July this year.
Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025, in Paris.
Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 7, 2025, in Paris.
James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
What To Know
Who Is Thomas Partey?
Partey is a 32-year-old professional soccer player from Ghana.
On October 5, 2020, Partey signed to English Premier League club Arsenal from Spanish club Atlético Madrid for €50 million (£45.4M, $58.7M).
Making 130 appearances, and scoring 9 goals, providing 5 assists, his best season for the London-based club was 2024-25, when he netted 4 goals in 35 Premier League matches, with 2 assists.
Partey has also represented Ghana's national team with more than 50 appearances, scoring 15 goals.
Partey's contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, 2025, and while reports indicated that he had been in talks to extend, no agreement was reached. He has since undergone a physical with Spanish Club, Villarreal, and is expected to sign a two-year deal through 2027, according to multiple reports.
How Did the Investigation Develop?
The charges against Partey developed following allegations stemming from 2021 and 2022. The complaints were first reported in February 2022, marking the beginning of the Metropolitan Police investigation.
Crown Prosecution Service and Metropolitan Police documents have consistently referenced the offenses as occurring within the United Kingdom, specifically in London. No more precise locations—such as specific venues or boroughs—have been disclosed.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022. Police submitted an initial file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service in December 2024, followed by an updated file in April 2025.
The prosecution service then determined there was a "realistic prospect of conviction," and filed charges.
What Charges Is Partey Facing?
On July 4, 2025, the Metropolitan Police announced that Partey had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault:
Two counts of rape relate to one complainant.
Three counts of rape relate to a second complainant.
One count of sexual assault relates to a third complainant.
Arsenal and Thomas Partey Appearances in the United States
Arsenal's most recent appearance in the United States occurred just over a year ago during a 2024 pre‑season tour. Partey was included on Arsenal's squad and played in three friendly soccer matches in Carson, California, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
What People Are Saying
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, London North, said July 4, 2025: "The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorized the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence.
"Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges," she said, adding: "We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the London Metropolitan Police said: "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward...anyone who has been impacted by this case...can contact detectives."
Jenny Wiltshire, partner at London law firm Hickman & Rose, and Partey's attorney said: "He [Partey] has fully cooperated with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service throughout their three-year investigation."
She added, "Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."
A spokesperson for Arsenal Football Club said, according to BBC: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case."
What Happens Next?
Partey's first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court is scheduled for Tuesday.
This hearing will address the charges and outline the next steps in the legal process. A full trial date has not been set and may not take place until 2026.
In the meantime, Partey could continue his football career. His potential move to Villarreal would allow him to play in the European Champions League while awaiting trial.