Thomas Partey charged with 5 counts of rape and sexual assault following his contract termination at Arsenal.
On Tuesday, Thomas Partey woke up without a club for the first time since he left his hometown of Krobo Odumase in eastern Ghana when he was eleven years old. After leaving Arsenal after his contract ended, the midfielder was charged with five charges of rape and one count of sexual assault three days later.
The outcome of the legal processes, which are set to begin with Partey’s appearance at Westminster magistrates court on August 5, will dictate what happens to his career going forward. Three women who reported occurrences between 2021 and 2022 are the subject of the claims. According to his attorney, Partey “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name” and refutes all of the accusations.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s insistence in May that he wanted him to stay, Partey, 32, has been linked to moves to Spain, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia in recent weeks after negotiations to extend his contract with Arsenal came to a standstill.
“Consistency-wise it’s been his best season,” Arteta said. “The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”
Three women who reported occurrences between 2021 and 2022 are the subject of the claims. Partey is accused of raping one lady on two separate occasions, raping another woman three times, and sexually assaulting a third woman. On August 5, he is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court.
Jaswant Narwal, of the CPS, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence. Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said in a statement: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”