Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, has been formally charged with multiple sexual offences by London’s Metropolitan Police, following an investigation that dates back nearly two years.
The 32-year-old is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women, with the alleged incidents taking place between 2021 and 2022. Partey is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
According to police, two charges relate to one woman, three to a second, and a single count of sexual assault to a third complainant. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, stated: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.”
Partey had been a regular figure in Arsenal’s midfield since his £45 million move from Atlético Madrid in 2020. His contract with the North London club expired on June 30, leaving him currently without a club. Arsenal has yet to comment publicly on the charges.
The midfielder made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals as Mikel Arteta’s side finished second behind Manchester City. Despite ongoing investigations, Partey continued to play throughout the 2022–23 and 2023–24 campaigns, after being first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time.
Partey’s management has not made any comment on the matter as at now.
The case casts a dark cloud over the career of a player once seen as a transformative signing for Arsenal and raises broader questions about football’s handling of serious allegations involving high-profile athletes.
