Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey charged with rape in the UK

Footballer Thomas Partey, whose contract with English club Arsenal has just expired, has been charged with the rape of two women and the sexual assault of a third, allegedly between 2021 and 2022, British police announced on Friday, July 4. The Ghanaian international will appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Tuesday, August 5 .

The charge "is the result of an investigation that began in February 2022 after police received an initial report of rape," the police said. The player's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, told several news agencies that Thomas Partey "denies all the accusations against him," adding that "he now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name."

Thomas Partey, now without a club, began his career in Spain, primarily with Atletico Madrid, before joining Arsenal in 2020, who paid €50 million to secure the services of the Ghanaian, who established himself as a defensive midfielder at the London club. His contract expired on June 30, and Arsenal did not renew it.