Former Arsenal and Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the UK’s Metropolitan Police. The alleged offences involve three women and span incidents reported to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police on Monday, two counts of rape relate to one complainant, three counts to a second woman, and a single count of sexual assault pertains to a third. The charges were filed following an extensive investigation initiated in February 2022 after a report of rape was made to the authorities.
Partey, 32, has denied all allegations and, through his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire, stated that he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” She added that he has “fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation” but will refrain from further comment due to the pending legal proceedings. The midfielder is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5. Partey’s contract with Arsenal officially expired on Monday. The club has yet to issue a public statement, while the Football Association and Premier League have declined to comment.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is overseeing the investigation, emphasized that the Metropolitan Police’s priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. He urged anyone with relevant information to contact detectives via email at CIT@met.police.uk.
Partey joined Arsenal in a £45.3 million move from Atletico Madrid in October 2020. During his time with the North London club, he made 130 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals. He featured 35 times in the most recent league season, contributing four goals as Arsenal finished second, and played 12 Champions League matches, helping the club reach the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain. Internationally, Partey has earned over 50 caps for Ghana and was part of the squad during the March 2025 World Cup qualifiers.
