By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey’s rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom pose a significant threat to the Ghana Black Stars and English football. The possible absence of Partey, a cornerstone player, could heavily impact Ghana’s morale and performance in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This has raised serious concerns for both FIFA and the Ghana Football Association.
Who is Thomas Partey?
Thomas Partey remains a household name in Ghana. The Black Stars’ midfield maestro has earned 53 caps and scored 15 goals for the national team. A seasoned international, Partey spent a decade in Spain and England’s top leagues.
He represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his commanding midfield presence was pivotal. He spent seven years at Atlético Madrid, where he won the La Liga title and the UEFA Europa League, and reached the 2016 UEFA Champions League final. In 2020, he transferred to Arsenal for £45 million (GH₵700 million), becoming a key figure under manager Mikel Arteta. Partey made 167 appearances in all competitions for the club, including 130 Premier League matches, scoring nine goals.
However, Arsenal did not renew his contract at the end of the 2024/25 season.
What Has Partey Been Charged With?
Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. These serious allegations involve three separate women who reported incidents occurring between 2021 and 2022.
The Metropolitan Police detailed the charges as follows: two counts of rape against one complainant, three counts of rape against a second complainant, and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman.
The 32-year-old has been under investigation since February 2022 and was initially arrested in July that year. On Friday, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the independent agency that prosecutes criminal cases, authorized the charges after reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorized the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence,” said Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.”
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman & Rose, issued a statement expressing her client’s determination to prove his innocence.
“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. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
In the UK, the maximum sentence for rape is life imprisonment. However, under the Sentencing Council’s guidelines, the typical custodial sentence ranges between 4 and 19 years, depending on the severity of harm and the defendant’s level of culpability.
Why the Delay in Charges?
Rape is one of the most complex crimes to prosecute. According to CPS guidelines, charges can only be brought if there is sufficient evidence to offer a “realistic prospect of conviction.”
Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not have a “reasonable belief” that the victim consented. Due to the difficulty in securing concrete evidence, such investigations often take years.
Partey was questioned on several occasions by the Metropolitan Police following his initial arrest, with his bail repeatedly extended, allowing him to continue playing for Arsenal during the probe.
Arsenal’s Response and Club Ethics
Arsenal came under heavy criticism for allowing Partey to continue playing while under investigation. The club, like many others, cited the principle of due process and the presumption of innocence. However, public pressure often demands immediate suspension in such cases, sparking a wider debate on the balance between legal rights and moral responsibility.
Reacting to the case, Arsenal released a brief statement:
“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Both the Football Association and the Premier League have declined to comment.
This case could set a precedent in how European clubs handle similar allegations, especially those involving African players. It could influence future transfer decisions, contract negotiations, and welfare policies for foreign talent in elite leagues.
Other Players and Similar Allegations
English football has seen a number of high-profile players face serious sexual assault charges. Partey is the latest athlete to face scrutiny while still under contract or shortly thereafter.
In 2021, former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy faced multiple rape charges. Though he was later acquitted of some, the case significantly impacted his career. Cristiano Ronaldo was also accused of rape, a case that was ultimately dropped. Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood was suspended during his legal proceedings, with charges later dropped.
The handling and outcomes of such cases have varied, with some players returning to professional football, while others faced irreversible damage to their careers.
What Happens to Partey Now?
Currently a free agent, Partey’s footballing future hangs in the balance. His immediate priority is to fight the charges in court. He is due to appear again on August 5.
His legal team remains adamant about his innocence, and if he is acquitted, a comeback could be possible. Still, even if cleared, public opinion, media scrutiny, and potential club hesitation may hinder his ability to secure a new contract.
The psychological and professional toll of such prolonged legal battles often leaves lasting scars, particularly for athletes under intense public and media scrutiny.
Implications for the Ghana Football Association
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) finds itself at a crossroads. Partey is a national icon, and the charges could tarnish the country’s footballing image. The GFA must now navigate public sentiment and legal realities, striking a balance between supporting a long-serving national player and condemning alleged misconduct.
Though the GFA has yet to issue a statement, its previous actions suggest a commitment to upholding the integrity of the game. How it handles this matter may affect its credibility and relationships with sponsors.
Impact on the Black Stars and World Cup Aspirations
The Black Stars must now prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, possibly without one of their most influential players. Partey’s leadership, vision, and technical skills will be difficult to replace.
“This is a huge blow,” said one Ghanaian football analyst. “He’s not just a player, he’s a leader. This will test the depth and resilience of the squad.”
Off-field scandals also risk affecting sponsorships. Ghana’s recent GH₵20 million KGL Group sponsorship deal underlines the financial stakes. A prolonged legal battle and negative press could jeopardize future deals and grassroots investment.
FIFA’s Stance on Misconduct
FIFA’s conduct regulations allow for global bans after convictions. If Partey is found guilty, he could face a worldwide suspension, ending his professional career.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized that “football sanctions alone are insufficient” for serious misconduct. FIFA’s revised Code of Ethics, effective since August 2019, mandates a minimum ten-year ban for sexual abuse or exploitation, with lifetime bans possible depending on severity.
How FIFA responds, especially in a World Cup cycle, will set a precedent for how football deals with criminal allegations involving top players.
If Found Guilty: Drastic Consequences
A conviction would likely end Partey’s football career. He faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, loss of endorsements, and permanent damage to his reputation.
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial,” said Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal. “We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
If Acquitted: A Long Road to Redemption
Even if Partey is acquitted, the damage to his public image may be lasting. Rebuilding his career and restoring trust from fans, sponsors, and clubs will be an uphill battle.
“The reputational impact on public figures in such cases is often profound and long-lasting,” said one legal expert. “Being legally exonerated doesn’t always translate into social acceptance or professional reinstatement.”
Should Partey return to the Black Stars after an acquittal, the GFA would face difficult questions from fans and sponsors. The case highlights the delicate balance between justice, reputation, and career recovery, especially for African players whose success often hinges on public trust.
