Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court to face six serious charges of rape and sexual assault involving three women. The 32-year-old Ghanaian international is alleged to have committed the offences between 2021 and 2022, including one during a holiday in Spain and another at his UK residence.
The Charges
Prosecutors revealed that Partey is facing:
- Five counts of rape against two women
- One count of sexual assault against a third woman
One of the alleged assaults reportedly took place in February 2022 at his home in the UK, while another occurred while Partey was on holiday in Spain. The Metropolitan Police stated that the first report was received in early 2022.
Court Proceedings
Partey appeared calm and did not visibly react as the charges were read out at a London magistrates’ court. His defence lawyer, Emma Fenn, did not oppose the referral of the case to Crown Court.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring confirmed that all six charges would be sent to the Crown Court at the Old Bailey, citing that five must legally be tried there, and the sixth — although not mandatory — was connected.
Partey was granted conditional bail under the following terms:
- No contact with any of the complainants
- Must report to police if changing address or staying elsewhere for more than 14 days
- Must inform authorities before traveling abroad
The magistrate warned that violating these conditions would likely result in custody.
Context and Timeline
- February 2022: First rape allegation reported to Metropolitan Police
- 2020: Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid
- June 2025: Charges filed days after Partey left Arsenal, following contract expiry
- August 2025: Court appearance and bail granted
- September 2, 2025: Next scheduled court date at the Old Bailey
The court also acknowledged Partey’s reported move to Spanish club Villarreal, with the magistrate noting he is no longer employed in the UK.
Reaction and Statements
Partey’s legal team said he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” Meanwhile, social media platforms and football forums have been flooded with reactions ranging from outrage and concern to support for due process.
The case has reignited debate over the handling of high-profile sexual assault allegations in sport and whether clubs should do more to vet or respond to accusations involving their players.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
