Former Arsenal and Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey has denied all allegations after being charged with multiple sexual offences by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The 31-year-old is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022.
The charges follow a three-year investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police. Partey is expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
According to the CPS, the charges include two counts of rape involving one complainant, three counts of rape relating to a second woman, and one count of sexual assault involving a third.
In a statement issued by his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, Partey strongly denied the allegations.
“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,” said Wiltshire.
She added that Partey would not comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, confirmed the charges, stating that they were approved following a thorough review of evidence submitted by the police.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges,” said Narwal.
Both the CPS and Metropolitan Police have urged the public and media to refrain from publishing or sharing information that could jeopardize the legal process.
“Criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” Narwal warned.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police reiterated the force’s commitment to supporting the complainants and encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The announcement comes just days after Partey officially departed Arsenal, having made 130 appearances over five seasons. The midfielder joined the Premier League side from Atlético Madrid in 2020, where he had been instrumental in winning the 2018 UEFA Europa League.
On the international stage, Partey has earned 53 caps and scored 15 goals for the Black Stars of Ghana.
