Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple sexual offence charges, including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, in a case that has drawn global attention. The 32-year-old Ghanaian international, who previously starred in the English Premier League, appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London where he formally denied the allegations, which are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey, who recently left Arsenal after his contract expired at the end of June, was officially charged just four days after departing the north London club. During the hearing, he confirmed his name before entering not guilty pleas to each of the charges. The footballer has been granted bail ahead of his trial, which is scheduled to begin on 2 November next year at the same court.
The midfielder, who now plays for Spanish La Liga side Villarreal, had already returned to the UK as part of his team’s Champions League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week. Partey featured as a second-half substitute in the match, which Villarreal lost 1-0 to Spurs. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the conditions of his bail do not restrict him from continuing his football career. However, strict requirements have been imposed, including a rule that he must inform the police at least 24 hours in advance of any international travel. He is also barred from contacting the complainants in the case.
The allegations against Partey stem from incidents said to have taken place while he was a key member of Arsenal’s squad, where he regularly featured in the Premier League and European competitions. His move to Villarreal marked a new chapter in his career after several injury-hit seasons at the Emirates Stadium, but the looming trial has placed his future under intense scrutiny both on and off the pitch.
The case has attracted significant media coverage in both the UK and Ghana, with football fans, commentators, and legal analysts closely following developments. For many, the trial represents one of the most high-profile legal battles involving a Premier League footballer in recent years.
As it stands, Partey remains eligible to play for Villarreal while legal proceedings continue. The Spanish club has not issued a detailed statement on the matter, and the Ghana Football Association has also remained silent as the midfielder prepares to focus on both his club commitments and the upcoming trial. With the court date set for late 2026, the case is expected to cast a long shadow over Partey’s career and reputation.
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