Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, 32, has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by UK authorities. These grave charges, confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Metropolitan Police, relate to alleged incidents involving three different women that are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025, to face these serious legal challenges.

Specifically, the charges detail that two counts of rape involve one woman, three counts of rape relate to a second woman, and the single count of sexual assault concerns a third woman. The investigation into these allegations, led by Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, began in February 2022 following an initial report of rape. Partey was first arrested in July 2022 but remained on bail and continued to play for Arsenal during the ongoing proceedings.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Thomas Partey has vehemently denied all allegations. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, issued a public statement affirming, “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.” Wiltshire added that due to the active legal proceedings, Partey would not be making any further public statements.

The Crown Prosecution Service, through Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal, confirmed that the charges were authorized after a “careful review of a comprehensive file of evidence,” noting that prosecutors have worked closely with officers from the Metropolitan Police. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy reiterated the police’s commitment to supporting the alleged victims, stating, “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.” Both the CPS and the Metropolitan Police have underscored the critical importance of protecting the integrity of the judicial process, urging that no reporting, commentary, or online sharing of information should in any way prejudice the proceedings, as criminal proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

These charges come just four days after Partey, whose contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, 2025, officially became a free agent. The Ghanaian international, born in Krobo Odumase in June 1993, joined Arsenal in October 2020 from Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of £45 million. During his nearly five-year tenure at the North London club, he made approximately 130 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals, and was part of the squad that won the 2023 FA Community Shield.

Partey’s European career commenced with Atlético Madrid in 2012, where, after initial loan spells at Mallorca and Leganés, he made 188 appearances and played a significant role in the team’s Europa League victory in 2018 and the La Liga title in 2021. While his time at Arsenal was intermittently affected by injury struggles, he proved a crucial midfielder, making 33 appearances in the 2022–2023 season as Arsenal secured second place in the Premier League. He also enjoyed a strong final season, featuring 52 times across all competitions, contributing to Arsenal’s reach into the semi-finals of both the Carabao Cup and Champions League.

A prominent figure for the Ghana national team, Partey has earned 53 caps and scored 15 goals, participating in recent World Cup qualification matches. Following his release from Arsenal, he is currently clubless and is believed to be training privately in Ghana as he explores options for his next career move. His ongoing legal situation is expected to significantly influence any potential transfer or contract negotiations.