Ghanaian international and former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey, has been granted conditional bail after being formally charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The 32-year-old footballer appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, London, where he faced serious allegations involving three women. These charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2022 during his tenure with the English Premier League club Arsenal.
The footballer, whose contract with Arsenal expired at the end of June 2025, had recently parted ways with the club when the charges were formally brought forward. He was seen entering the courtroom dressed in a black zip-neck jumper and black trousers, carrying a navy blue blazer. During the court session, Mr. Partey stood in the dock with his hands behind his back and spoke briefly to confirm his identity and acknowledge that he understood the bail conditions imposed by the court.
Under the terms of his bail, Thomas Partey is prohibited from contacting any of the three women involved in the case. Additionally, he must inform authorities of any changes to his permanent address and any plans for international travel. The case has now been scheduled for a further hearing at the Old Bailey on September 2, 2025.
These charges follow a thorough investigation led by UK detectives, which began in February 2022 after a report of rape was filed. Over time, the scope of the investigation expanded, leading to the current multiple counts of rape and a sexual assault charge.
Thomas Partey, known for his time at Atlético Madrid before joining Arsenal in 2020, has been a prominent figure in African football and one of Ghana’s most celebrated players. Despite the gravity of the allegations, his legal team, led by Jenny Wiltshire, has maintained his innocence. Wiltshire issued a public statement reaffirming Partey’s stance, noting that “he denies all the charges against him” and is looking forward to the opportunity to “finally clear his name” in court.
In a parallel development, media reports suggest that Partey is preparing to revive his football career with Spanish La Liga side Villarreal. The reported deal is a one-year contract with the potential for a 12-month extension, signaling his intent to continue playing despite the legal cloud currently surrounding him.
As the case unfolds, it has sparked widespread attention from the football community, fans, and advocacy groups. The outcome of the proceedings at the Old Bailey in September will undoubtedly be closely watched, not only due to Thomas Partey’s profile but also because of the broader implications for how sexual assault allegations are handled in the sports world.
The situation highlights growing scrutiny and accountability in professional football, where clubs, fans, and organizations are increasingly concerned about the conduct of players off the pitch. While Thomas Partey maintains his innocence, the legal process is expected to take its course, with justice for all parties involved as the ultimate goal.
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