By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault. The Ghanaian international appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where he firmly denied the allegations brought against him.
Partey, 32, is accused of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third between 2021 and 2022, a period when he was a regular figure in the Premier League with Arsenal. Prosecutors have filed five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault against the player.
The charges were brought just four days after Partey’s departure from the north London club, following the expiration of his contract at the end of June. His exit ended a spell in which he made more than 100 appearances for Arsenal after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a reported £45 million fee.
During his court appearance, Partey strongly rejected all allegations. His legal team stressed that he intends to clear his name and fully contest the charges at trial. The midfielder, who has also been capped over 40 times for Ghana, was granted bail while awaiting legal proceedings.
The trial is scheduled to begin on 2 November next year at Southwark Crown Court, with proceedings expected to attract significant attention both in the United Kingdom and internationally.
The allegations date back to a time when Partey was one of Arsenal’s most experienced midfielders, often praised for his physical presence and tactical awareness. His performances helped steady the team during crucial campaigns under manager Mikel Arteta.
While the case moves forward, questions about his professional future remain uncertain. No immediate details have been disclosed regarding potential football commitments or whether he will continue playing while awaiting trial.
Legal experts note that high-profile cases involving athletes often draw intense media and public scrutiny, given the prominence of those involved and the reputational damage that can follow. For Partey, the charges mark a sharp turn from his career achievements, including appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers with Ghana.
The Crown Prosecution Service has said the case will be handled in line with due process, with the trial date giving both prosecution and defence adequate time to prepare. Until then, Partey remains out on bail under standard conditions.
The midfielder’s denial sets the stage for a lengthy legal battle that will now be closely monitored in both sporting and legal circles.
