Ghana and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault in a London court, as the 32-year-old faces a high-profile trial set for next year.
Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, Partey confirmed his name, date of birth, and formally denied five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, during his time as an Arsenal player.
The Ghana international was charged just four days after leaving Arsenal at the end of June, following the expiry of his contract. He joined Spanish side Villarreal in August and made a substitute appearance in their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in London on Tuesday, a day before his court hearing.
Partey was granted bail ahead of his trial, which has been scheduled for 2 November next year at Southwark Crown Court. While his bail conditions do not prevent him from continuing his football career, he must give police 24 hours’ notice before any international travel and is prohibited from contacting the complainants.
Partey signed for Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £45 million ($61 million). Over four seasons in north London, he played 167 times, scoring nine goals, including 52 appearances last season alone. He also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most experienced midfielders.
After his Arsenal contract expired on June 30, Partey secured a move to Villarreal, where he has already featured in European competition.
An Arsenal spokesperson, addressing the situation earlier, said: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
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