Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey has formally denied multiple charges of rape and sexual assault during a court appearance in London. The 32-year-old midfielder, now playing for Spanish club Villarreal, attended the hearing on September 17.
The charges relate to alleged incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2022 while Partey was a player for Arsenal. He faces five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman.
Following his initial arrest, Partey was released on bail. A trial has been scheduled for November 2, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court in central London.
Despite the legal proceedings, Partey continues to play professionally. He recently appeared as a substitute in a Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur, where he was met with boos from Spurs supporters throughout the game. Tottenham won the match 1-0.
Partey’s legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, has reiterated his position, stating that he “denies all the charges against him” and looks forward to “the opportunity to clear his name finally.”
Authorities confirmed that the investigation began in February 2022 after police received an initial report of rape.
