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Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault after a three-year investigation.
Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey has been formally charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, capping a nearly three-year investigation by UK authorities.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international is set to make his first court appearance on August 5 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The developments raise critical questions about the justice system’s handling of high-profile sexual offense cases and about how football clubs respond to such allegations.
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What Are the Charges?
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Thomas Partey is one of Ghana’s most recognizable football stars, having earned 53 international caps and built a formidable career in both Spain and England.
He played for Atletico Madrid for seven years, winning La Liga and the Europa League, and helped the club reach the 2016 UEFA Champions League final before transferring to Arsenal for £45 million in 2020 and becoming a central figure in Mikel Arteta's midfield setup.
However, Partey’s career now faces a seismic shift.
On July 4, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charged him with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The charges stem from incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022. According to the CPS, two counts of rape relate to one woman, three to a second, and the sexual assault charge to a third.
Partey’s legal team, led by solicitor Jenny Wiltshire, has strongly denied all charges, stating that the footballer has "fully cooperated" with authorities and “welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.”
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Why the Investigation Took So Long
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The long duration of the investigation has raised eyebrows among fans and legal observers.
But rape and sexual assault investigations often take years, requiring meticulous evidence gathering, interviews with multiple parties, and legal review to determine if a case meets the threshold for prosecution.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022, and although he was questioned multiple times, he was released on bail and continued to play for Arsenal.
Under UK law, suspects cannot be named publicly unless formally charged.
This rule, aimed at protecting the reputations of those not yet proven guilty, explains why Partey’s name remained confidential, despite widespread speculation on social media.
The delay has fueled frustration among some fans and advocacy groups, who argue that elite athletes receive undue legal and media protection, allowing them to maintain their careers while under serious investigation.
Arsenal Under Fire for Its Response
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Partey’s former club, Arsenal, has also come under fire for its handling of the situation.
The Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence (ASASV) group expressed "devastation and shame" over the club’s decision to allow Partey to keep playing during the investigation as per The Athletic.
They have renewed calls for the suspension of players facing serious allegations, citing a lack of accountability within the sport.
Further criticism was leveled after reports surfaced that Arsenal had engaged in contract extension talks with Partey as recently as April, months after his arrest.
Legal experts and fans alike have questioned whether the club prioritized performance over principle.
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In response, Arsenal released a short statement acknowledging the legal process but declined further comment, citing the ongoing nature of the proceedings.
Now a free agent following the expiration of his Arsenal contract on June 30, Partey technically remains eligible to sign for another club.
But with a trial likely to follow next year and public scrutiny mounting, any potential suitor will weigh not just his talent, but the serious charges looming over him.
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