Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women.

The charges were formally announced on July 4 by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), following a three-year investigation by the Metropolitan Police. According to the CPS, Partey, 32, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, stemming from incidents reported to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.

“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,” his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said in a statement.

The Metropolitan Police detailed that two of the rape charges relate to one complainant, three to a second, and the single sexual assault charge to a third woman. The investigation began in February 2022 after the police received a report of rape.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, noted, “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.” He urged anyone with information related to the case to contact the investigation team.

Partey’s contract with English club Arsenal ended on June 30, 2025. While the club has acknowledged the expiry of his contract, it has declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal proceedings. The Football Association and the Premier League have also refrained from issuing statements.

In the wake of the charges, the Crown Prosecution Service reminded the public and media that criminal proceedings are now active and warned against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the case. “We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial,” said Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North.

Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 in a £45.3 million move. He made 130 Premier League appearances for the Gunners and played a pivotal role in their Champions League campaign last season. He also remains a prominent figure in Ghana’s national team, with over 50 caps to his name.