Thomas Partey, formerly a midfielder for Arsenal, has been formally charged with five counts of rape and a single count of sexual assault. According to the Metropolitan Police, these alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022. The police initiated their investigation into the footballer in February 2022, following an initial report of rape.
The specific charges include three counts of rape against one victim, two counts against a second, and an additional charge of sexual assault involving a third woman. On Friday, Partey`s legal representative stated that he vehemently denies all accusations and expressed that he “looks forward to the chance to conclusively clear his name.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is spearheading the inquiry, emphasized, “Our primary focus remains on offering support to the women who have reported these incidents.” He added, “We urge anyone affected by this case, or with relevant information, to contact our investigative team. Detectives can be reached via email at CIT@met.police.uk regarding this investigation.”
Partey`s five-year tenure with Arsenal concluded on Tuesday, coinciding with the expiration of his contract, which he originally signed upon transferring from Atletico Madrid in October 2020.
Partey is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates` Court on Tuesday, August 5. His solicitor, Jenny Wiltshire, released a statement asserting: “Thomas Partey refutes all allegations made against him. He has maintained full cooperation with both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) throughout their three-year inquiry. He is now eager for the chance to conclusively establish his innocence. Due to the active legal proceedings, my client cannot provide additional comments.”
Jaswant Narwal, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), stated: “The CPS has today authorized the prosecution of Thomas Partey on numerous rape charges, following a thorough review of an extensive evidence dossier. Our prosecutors collaborated closely with Metropolitan Police officers, who conducted the investigation, to scrutinize the evidence and recommend suitable charges.”
Narwal further cautioned: “We wish to remind all parties that these are active criminal proceedings, and the defendant is entitled to a fair trial. While we anticipate considerable public interest in this development, it is critically important to refrain from any reporting, commentary, or online dissemination of information that could potentially jeopardize these proceedings.”
Partey, an international player with 53 caps for Ghana, played 167 matches for Arsenal. The London club acquired him from Atletico Madrid for $60 million by activating a release clause in his contract. During his time at Atletico, Partey had secured both the Europa League and La Liga titles. Arsenal has been approached for a statement regarding these developments.
