Thomas Partey Charged with Rape Following Police Investigation

Thomas Partey

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape following a police investigation that began in February 2022 when officers first received a report of the alleged offence.

The 32-year-old, who has been with Arsenal since 2020, had his contract with the club terminated on Monday. BBC News has reached out to Arsenal and the Football Association for comment, while the Premier League has declined to respond.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the police's focus on supporting the women involved. “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward,” he said. “We encourage anyone affected by this case or anyone with information to contact our team via email at CIT@met.police.uk.”

Mr. Partey, who resides in Hertfordshire, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 5 August.

In a statement, Partey's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and Crown Prosecution Service throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. As legal proceedings are now ongoing, he is unable to comment further.”

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 in a £45.3 million transfer deal. He made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals as the Gunners finished second in the table. He also featured 12 times in the Champions League, helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals before they were eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Over his time at Arsenal, Partey made a total of 130 Premier League appearances and scored nine goals under manager Mikel Arteta. Internationally, he has earned over 50 caps for Ghana, most recently appearing in World Cup qualification matches in March.

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