London, UK – Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault. The player, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, is set to stand trial under a High Court judge. The allegations concern incidents said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during which time Partey was an active player for Arsenal. The legal proceedings mark a significant juncture in a case that has been under investigation for an extended period.

Legal Proceedings Underway for Former Arsenal Star
Thomas Partey has formally entered pleas of not guilty to all charges he faces. These include five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges stem from alleged incidents involving three separate women. Partey, a prominent figure in English football, appeared in court to confirm his identity and enter his pleas, speaking only to provide his name and date of birth during the hearings. His legal representation has stated that he denies all accusations and is keen to clear his name.
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Timeline of Charges and Court Appearances
The legal process for Thomas Partey has unfolded over several months.

February 2022: An investigation into allegations began.
July 4, 2025: Partey was officially charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. This occurred four days after his contract with Arsenal expired.
August 5, 2025: Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and was granted conditional bail. Conditions included not contacting the alleged victims and notifying police of any international travel 24 hours in advance. He was also required to report any address changes if staying away from home for 14 consecutive days.
September 2, 2025: His case was scheduled for a further appearance at the Old Bailey.
September 17, 2025: Partey appeared at Southwark Crown Court for a hearing where he entered his not guilty pleas. He confirmed his name, date of birth, and his not guilty pleas during this brief session.
Details of the Allegations
The charges against Thomas Partey are extensive and involve multiple alleged victims and incidents.
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Total Charges: Five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Alleged Victims: Three women.
Specific Allegations:
Two counts of rape are alleged against one woman.
Three counts of rape are alleged against a second woman.
One count of sexual assault is alleged against a third woman.
Timeframe: The alleged offences are reported to have taken place in 2021 and 2022, when Partey was playing for Arsenal.
Partey's Current Status and Legal Defense
Since his contract with Arsenal ended on June 30, 2025, Thomas Partey has been a free agent. He has since joined Spanish club Villarreal. His bail conditions do not prevent him from playing football. His legal team has consistently maintained his innocence, stating he denies all charges and looks forward to the opportunity to prove his innocence in court.
Bail Conditions and Restrictions
Upon being granted conditional bail, Thomas Partey was subjected to specific terms designed to ensure his compliance with the legal process and to protect potential witnesses. These conditions include:
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No Contact with Complainants: He is strictly forbidden from contacting any of the three women involved in the case, whether directly or indirectly.
Address Notification: Partey must inform the police of any permanent change of address. He must also notify them if he plans to stay at a location other than his home for 14 consecutive days.
International Travel: Advance notification to the police is required for any international travel, with a minimum of 24 hours' notice.
Upcoming Trial
A trial date has been set for November 2, 2025. The trial will be presided over by a High Court judge at Southwark Crown Court. This marks the next significant phase in the legal proceedings against the former Arsenal midfielder.
Sources
Sky Sports: "Thomas Partey: Former Arsenal midfielder pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges" - https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13431562/thomas-partey-former-arsenal-midfielder-pleads-not-guilty-to-rape-and-sexual-assault-charges
ESPN: "Thomas Partey: Ex-Arsenal star denies rape and assault charges" - https://www.espn.com/soccer/story//id/46289694/thomas-partey-arsenal-midfielder-denies-rape-assault-charges
The Guardian: "Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey in court on rape and sexual assault charges" - https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/05/ex-arsenal-footballer-thomas-partey-bailed-rape-charges
BBC News: "Footballer Thomas Partey granted bail on rape charges" - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05engnv3l2o
The Athletic: "Thomas Partey pleads not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault" - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6634558/2025/09/17/thomas-partey-rape-case-plea/
Daily Mail: "Thomas Partey allowed to move to Spain after being granted bail" - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14971563/Arsenal-Thomas-Partey-arrives-court-rape-hearing.html
Evening Standard: "Ex-Arsenal star Thomas Partey charged with multiple counts of rape" - https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/thomas-partey-rape-charges-arsenal-b1236436.html
BBC News: "Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey charged with rape" - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39zr7y9ep3o
Daily Mail: "Partey pleads not guilty to FIVE charges of rape" - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15106213/Thomas-Partey-arrives-court-rape-charges.html
Al Jazeera: "Former Arsenal midfielder Partey granted bail on rape charge" - https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/8/5/former-arsenal-midfielder-partey-granted-bail-on-rape-charge
Sky Sports: "Thomas Partey: Ex-Arsenal footballer pleads not guilty to rape charges - hours after playing against Spurs" - https://www.sky.com/story/thomas-partey-ex-arsenal-player-to-appear-in-court-on-rape-charges-just-hours-after-playing-against-spurs-13432514
Sky Sports: "Thomas Partey: Former Arsenal midfielder granted conditional bail after appearing in court on rape and sexual assault charges" - https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13407150/thomas-partey-former-arsenal-midfielder-granted-conditional-bail-after-appearing-in-court-on-rape-and-sexual-assault-charges
The Athletic: "Thomas Partey rape charges explained: Why did it take so long and why are Arsenal under scrutiny?" - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6473868/2025/07/04/thomas-partey-arsenal-rape-charges-explained/
The Athletic: "Thomas Partey, former Arsenal midfielder, charged with rape, sexual assault" - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6473464/2025/07/04/thomas-partey-rape-case-arsenal/
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