Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police. The charges stem from alleged incidents involving three women, said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian footballer faces two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape involving a second woman, and one count of sexual assault concerning a third. Police say the investigation began in February 2022 after a report of rape was filed, leading to further inquiries that uncovered additional allegations.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is overseeing the investigation, emphasized the importance of supporting the victims. “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We urge anyone who may have been affected or has relevant information to reach out to our team,” Furphy said. Authorities have provided an email address—CIT@met.police.uk—for individuals to contact detectives directly.
Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.
The charges come just days after Partey’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday. He had been with the North London club since October 2020, following a £45.3 million transfer from Spanish side Atletico Madrid. During his four-year tenure, Partey made 130 Premier League appearances and scored nine goals.
Last season, he played 35 Premier League matches and found the back of the net four times, contributing to Arsenal’s second-place finish in the league. He also played a significant role in the club’s UEFA Champions League campaign, appearing in 12 matches as the Gunners reached the semi-finals, only to be eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
BBC News has contacted Arsenal for comment regarding the charges but had not received a response at the time of publication.
The serious nature of the charges casts a shadow over Partey’s football career and raises questions about how clubs and authorities handle allegations of this magnitude within professional sport.
