Former Arsenal and Ghanaian midfielder, Thomas Partey, has been formally charged with multiple sexual offences by the Metropolitan Police, including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
According to a police statement released on Friday, the alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022.
Partey, 32, faces two rape charges involving one woman, three charges involving another, and a separate sexual assault charge related to a third woman.
Jenny Wiltshire, Partey’s legal representative, told Britain’s PA news agency that her client “denies all the charges against him” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to supporting the individuals who came forward.
“Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward,” he said. “We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing [email protected].”
The Metropolitan Police began their inquiry in February 2022 following an initial rape allegation.
Partey is expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, confirmed the charges in an official statement.
“The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence,” Narwal said.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges. We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
“We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Partey’s tenure at Arsenal came to an end after the conclusion of the recent season. Having joined the Premier League club in October 2020, he was a regular under manager Mikel Arteta.
Over the course of his Arsenal career, Partey made 130 Premier League appearances and scored nine goals.
