13/04/2026
Ghana and former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two counts of r*pe at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.
The 32-year-old entered his plea a day after he was not included in the matchday squad for Spanish side Villarreal’s La Liga game against Athletic Club.
Those two counts will now be tried alongside five other counts of r*pe and one count of s*xual ass*ult that Partey already faces. He previously entered not guilty pleas to those charges at a hearing in September 2025. The case involves three women, with the two new counts relating to a separate complainant.
The trial was originally scheduled for November this year but may now be delayed until early 2027 to accommodate the additional charges.
Partey was first charged in July 2025, four days after his Arsenal contract expired . In February 2026, he was charged with the two further counts of r*pe.
At a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 13, deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram ruled that Partey must not make any direct or indirect contact with the new complainant. This is consistent with his existing bail conditions, which also require him to notify authorities of any changes to his address or plans to travel abroad.
Speaking in February, Partey’s defence lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said: “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated fully with the police throughout. Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, there will be no further comment.”
Partey has denied all seven counts of r*pe and one count of s*xual ass*ult. He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
