Former Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in a London court on rape and sexual assault charges.
Partey, 32, appeared in court dressed in black and chose not to enter a plea during this initial hearing. He confirmed his identity and acknowledged the bail conditions, which prohibit him from contacting any of the complainants and require him to notify law enforcement of any permanent address changes or international travel plans. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 2 at the Old Bailey in London.
The investigation into Partey began in February 2022 after authorities received a rape report, but he continued to play for Arsenal until his contract expired at the end of June. He was formally charged four days after leaving the club. Partey’s legal team has consistently denied all allegations, and he has expressed a desire to clear his name. Meanwhile, reports suggest he is preparing to join Spanish club Villarreal on a one-year deal with an option for extension.
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The charges detail multiple incidents involving two women for the rape allegations and a third woman for the sexual assault claim. Prosecutors allege that some of the rape incidents occurred both in the UK and Spain. Partey has not been required to enter a plea at this stage of the legal process.
Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for a transfer fee of around £45 million and made 52 appearances during the 2024–25 season. He has been a key player for Ghana’s national team, with over 50 caps to his name. Arsenal has refrained from commenting publicly on the case due to ongoing legal proceedings.
BBC
