Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he faces multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international is charged with five counts of rape involving two women, along with a separate charge of sexual assault against a third. Prosecutors informed the court that one of the alleged incidents occurred while Partey was on holiday in Spain, while another is said to have taken place at his home in February 2022.
Partey appeared in court with his hands clasped behind his back and remained expressionless as the charges were read. His solicitor, Emma Fenn, did not oppose the prosecution’s request for the case to be sent to the Crown Court.
Presiding over the hearing, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring acknowledged recent reports that Partey has joined Spanish side Villarreal following his departure from Arsenal.
“I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and is now playing in Spain,” he said.
Addressing Partey directly, Goldspring stated: “You face six charges, of which five are indictable-only offences and must be heard in the Crown Court. The sixth charge may also be sent if it is related. I am therefore sending all six charges to the Crown Court at the Old Bailey.”
Partey was released on conditional bail with strict terms. He is prohibited from contacting any of the complainants and must inform police if he changes address, intends to travel abroad, or stays at another location for more than 14 consecutive days.
“If you breach any of these conditions, you will be arrested, brought back before me, and almost certainly remanded in custody,” the magistrate warned.
The Metropolitan Police said it first received a report of a rape allegation in February 2022. Charges were formally brought in June, four days after Partey left Arsenal following the expiry of his contract.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the breakdown of the charges: two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts involving a second, and a single count of sexual assault against a third.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 and made 35 appearances in the 2024-25 season, during which the club finished second in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
His legal representatives have previously said he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Partey is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 2nd September 2025 .
