By: Kwame Bediako
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, July, 4. The charges stem from allegations made by three separate women, with the alleged offences occurring between 2021 and 2022. Partey, 32, who left Arsenal on July 1 after his contract expired, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
The investigation began in February 2022 after police received the initial report of rape. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, emphasized that supporting the women who have come forward remains a priority. He also urged anyone with information or impacted by the case to contact the police. The Metropolitan Police detailed that two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts to a second woman, and the sexual assault charge to a third individual.
Partey joined Arsenal in September 2020 from Atletico Madrid for a £45 million transfer fee and played as a key midfielder for the club until his contract ended earlier this month. The CPS highlighted that prosecutors carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence in authorizing the charges. They reminded the public of the importance of a fair trial and cautioned against any reporting or commentary that might prejudice the legal proceedings.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with discussions around the legal and ethical considerations for football clubs when players face serious allegations but have not yet been convicted. Some voices in the football community stress the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence, while others call for stronger support for victims of sexual violence.
Arsenal has not publicly commented on the matter, likely due to legal constraints and the ongoing investigation. As the legal process unfolds, Thomas Partey remains under investigation, and the court appearance on August 5 will mark the next step in this high-profile case. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid the investigation.
