London | 4 July 2025 — Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed on Friday. The charges relate to alleged incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022.

Former Premier League player at the centre of serious allegations

Partey, 32, is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August 2025. The CPS stated that the charges follow a lengthy investigation carried out by the Metropolitan Police, working in close cooperation with prosecutors.

According to the CPS, one woman has accused Partey of two separate counts of rape, a second has brought forward three additional counts, and a third woman has alleged one incident of sexual assault.

Defence maintains innocence: ‘He will fight to clear his name’

Partey categorically denies all allegations. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said her client has been fully cooperative with the authorities throughout the investigation and is now looking forward to clearing his name through the legal process.

“He strongly denies the charges and is determined to prove his innocence,” Wiltshire said in a statement.

The CPS emphasised the importance of the presumption of innocence, urging the media and public to refrain from speculation that could interfere with the fairness of the proceedings.

Victim anonymity protected under UK law

The CPS also reminded the public that under UK legislation, all alleged victims of sexual offences are granted lifelong anonymity, and it is a criminal offence to reveal any information that could lead to their identification.

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service stated:

“The decision to authorise charges was made following a careful review of the evidence submitted by the police. The case will now be heard before the courts, who will determine the outcome.”

Career on hold

Partey left Arsenal at the end of the 2024–25 season, following the expiry of his contract on 30 June 2025. He joined the Premier League club in 2020 from Atlético Madrid for a fee reported to be in the region of £45 million.

The North London club has not issued any public comment regarding the charges.

What happens next

Partey’s first court appearance is scheduled for 5 August. Depending on the outcome of that hearing, the case is expected to be transferred to a Crown Court for trial — the appropriate venue for serious criminal offences in England and Wales.

If convicted, Partey could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, although sentencing would depend on the specifics of the offences.