Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 and involve three women. Two counts of rape relate to one woman, three further counts of rape involve a second woman, and one count of sexual assault is connected to a third.
Partey, a Ghanaian international, denies all charges. His lawyer stated that he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The charges follow a police investigation that began in February 2022 after an initial report of rape was filed.
Partey’s contract with Arsenal officially ended on June 30. He had joined the North London club in October 2020 from Atlético Madrid for £45.3 million. An Arsenal spokesperson said: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Both the Football Association and the Premier League declined to comment.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or who may have information, to speak with our team.”
Partey, 32, who resides in Hertfordshire, is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.
In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “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. Given that there are ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
During his time at Arsenal, Partey made 130 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals. Last season, he played 35 league matches and scored four goals, helping the team finish second in the Premier League. He also featured in 12 Champions League games as Arsenal reached the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Internationally, Partey has earned over 50 caps for Ghana and most recently represented his country in World Cup qualification matches in March.
