Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault at a court hearing in London. The 32-year-old midfielder, now playing for Spanish side Villarreal, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on September 17, where he formally denied the allegations. Prosecutors allege the incidents took place between 2021 and 2022 while Partey was still playing for Arsenal in the English Premier League. He faces five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman.
Partey was first arrested in 2022 after police received a complaint of rape in February that year. He was later released on bail pending further investigations. At the hearing, Judge Deborah Taylor confirmed that a full trial has been scheduled for November 2, 2026. Partey, a key player for the Ghana national team and formerly Arsenal’s record signing, continues to play professional football while the case is ongoing. He recently featured as a substitute for Villarreal in a Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, where he was loudly booed by Spurs fans every time he touched the ball. Tottenham went on to win the game 1-0.
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, reiterated that he denies the allegations and “welcomes the opportunity to clear his name in court.” The case, which has drawn significant attention in both the UK and Ghana, is expected to be closely followed given Partey’s high-profile status in world football.
