GHANA international Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in England by the Metropolitan Police, bringing his Premier League career to an abrupt halt just days after his Arsenal contract expired.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for €50 million, faces charges relating to alleged incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges following a three-year investigation that began in February 2022.
Partey was initially arrested in July 2022 but continued playing for Arsenal throughout the investigation. His contract with the North London club expired on June 30, 2025, and was not renewed despite public praise from manager Mikel Arteta. The timing of the charges, announced just three days after his contract ended, has sparked discussion across the Premier League.
The charges include two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts of rape involving a second woman, and one count of sexual assault against a third individual. Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025.
Through his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire, Partey has denied all charges and stated he “looks forward to the chance to exonerate himself.” His legal team confirmed he has fully cooperated with the investigation throughout the process.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal for CPS London North worked closely with police to assess the evidence before authorising charges. The decision followed what prosecutors described as a “meticulous review of a comprehensive file of evidence” that met the threshold for a realistic prospect of conviction.
Three-Year Investigation
The investigation began following an initial rape report in February 2022, with police conducting extensive evidence gathering including detailed interviews with the alleged victims, forensic analysis, and corroboration of testimonies. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who oversaw the inquiry, emphasised the focus on supporting the women who came forward and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact police.
The lengthy timeline between the initial reports and formal charges reflects the complexity typical of serious sexual offence cases, where prosecutors must ensure both a realistic prospect of conviction and that the proceeding serves the public interest.
Arsenal Career Ends
Partey made 167 appearances for Arsenal during his five-year stint, contributing significantly to the club’s recent Premier League campaigns. He has been a key player for Ghana’s national team since 2016, earning international recognition as one of the country’s most prominent footballers.
Arsenal Football Club released a brief statement acknowledging that Partey’s contract ended on June 30 and stating that due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club cannot comment further on the case.
The charges mark a dramatic turn for a player who was once considered among the Premier League’s most influential midfielders. As legal proceedings continue, Partey faces the prospect of his football career being overshadowed by the serious criminal charges he now confronts.
The case remains ongoing, with Partey entitled to a fair trial as the legal process unfolds.
