Ex-Arsenal star Thomas Partey denies rape charges after pleading not guilty to multiple counts at Southwark Crown Court. The 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, who left Arsenal when his contract expired in June 2025 and now plays for Villarreal, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations between 2021 and 2022.
Thomas Partey appeared in person on Tuesday, 17 September 2025. He confirmed his identity before entering a not-guilty plea to each charge. The accusations involve two women who allege rape and a third woman who alleges sexual assault, all incidents said to have occurred while he was active in the Premier League.
Background of the Case
The charges were brought shortly after Partey’s departure from Arsenal. UK authorities filed the indictment four days after his contract with the north London club ended on 30 June 2025. Investigators had begun gathering evidence following separate complaints made in 2024 and early 2025. Southwark Crown Court is handling the criminal proceedings.
Prosecutors allege that the offences took place on multiple occasions over the two-year period. The court heard that the complainants have provided detailed statements and medical reports. Partey’s legal team has challenged aspects of the evidence, arguing that any encounters were consensual.
Bail Conditions and Football Commitments
Mr Partey was granted conditional bail. He must inform police of any travel abroad at least 24 hours before departure and is prohibited from contacting the complainants or visiting certain areas of south London. These conditions do not prevent him from playing for Villarreal. On the evening of his court appearance, he was in England as part of Villarreal’s squad travelling to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League.
He entered as a substitute in that fixture, which ended in a 1-0 defeat. Club officials say they will support their player as the legal process continues. Villarreal’s spokesperson stated that the club respects the presumption of innocence and will co-operate with relevant authorities.
Legal Process and Next Steps
The trial is scheduled to begin on 2 November 2026. Ahead of that date, both prosecution and defence will engage in a series of pre-trial hearings to determine which evidence is admissible and to agree on witness lists. The judge will hear disputes over sensitive material and set timetables for statements, forensic reports and expert testimony.
Under UK law, each rape charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. The sexual assault count also carries a significant custodial term. The Crown Prosecution Service must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Partey committed the offences against the will of each complainant.
Partey’s barrister made an application to have certain private communications excluded from evidence on grounds of relevance and privacy. The prosecution opposed parts of this bid, arguing that the messages shed light on the nature of the relationships and dates in question. The judge reserved ruling on these matters until a hearing later this month.
Player Profile and Career Highlights
Thomas Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 for a reported fee of £45 million. During his time at the Emirates Stadium, he made over 120 Premier League appearances, helping the club qualify for Champions League football and reach two FA Cup semi-finals. Known for his passing range and defensive strength, he earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top central midfielders.
Before moving to England, Partey spent six seasons at Atlético Madrid, winning La Liga in 2021 and appearing in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final. He has also been a mainstay of the Ghana national team, earning over 70 caps and captaining the Black Stars in World Cup qualifiers and AFCON tournaments.
In the summer of 2025, having decided to leave Arsenal after contract talks stalled, he signed a two-year deal with Villarreal. His arrival was greeted with enthusiasm by fans who recall his success under Unai Emery at Atlético Madrid earlier in his career.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
News of the charges sparked wide coverage in Britain and Ghana. Ghanaian football officials issued a brief statement expressing support for Partey’s right to a fair trial. Supporters on social media have been divided, with some fans offering solidarity and others calling for the courts to run their course.
Legal commentators note that high-profile trials require careful handling to ensure media reporting does not prejudice jurors. The judge has warned press outlets against revealing identifying details of the complainants or sensationalising evidence, reminding all that the presumption of innocence is a core principle of English law.
Looking Ahead
As the pre-trial phase progresses, both sides will prepare their case strategies. Witness statements from medical experts, forensic analysts and third parties who may have knowledge of Partey’s whereabouts will be central. The trial itself could last several weeks, depending on the complexity of the evidence and the number of witnesses.
For Thomas Partey, the outcome will have profound personal and professional implications. A conviction would mean a significant prison term and the end of his football career. An acquittal, by contrast, could allow him to resume playing without legal cloud. Until the court delivers its verdict, he remains on bail and carries the status of a professional athlete under investigation.
