Former Arsenal and Ghana international Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday, 5 July.
The 32-year-old footballer faces accusations from three women, with the alleged incidents said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. According to police, the charges follow an investigation launched in February 2022, after the first complaint was made.
Partey, who left Arsenal earlier this week, is due to appear in court in central London on 5 August.
His legal representatives have denied the allegations, stating that Partey has fully cooperated with the authorities throughout the process.
“He denies all the charges against him,” said Jenny Wiltshire, his solicitor. “He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
Police clarified that the rape charges involve two women, while the sexual assault charge relates to a third.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is handling the investigation, said: “Our primary focus remains on supporting the women who have come forward.”
He added that anyone impacted by the case, or anyone with relevant information, should contact the police.