Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with his trial set to begin on November 2, 2026. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the UK, the former Arsenal star faces two counts of rape involving one woman and three counts involving another woman, while the sexual assault charge pertains to a third woman. Partey has denied all the charges.
The 32-year-old confirmed his plea at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, September 17. He appeared in court wearing black trousers, a black quarter-zip jumper, and a blue jacket. His plea came just hours after he played for Spanish side Villarreal in their UEFA Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur, during which he was jeered by Spurs fans throughout the game. Villarreal lost the match 1-0.
The alleged offenses are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the first report was received in February 2022. Partey was formally charged shortly after leaving Arsenal at the end of his contract in June this year. He previously appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail under strict conditions, including being prohibited from contacting any of the women involved in the case. Partey’s lawyer has stated that the midfielder “denies all the charges against him” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The Ghanaian international signed with Villarreal on August 7, 2025, a move that initially sparked protests from some supporters of the Spanish club. His plea hearing was originally scheduled for September 2 at the Old Bailey, but it was adjourned without explanation, leading to his appearance on Wednesday — less than a day after the Champions League fixture.
Source: Citi Newsroom
