Thomas Partey: Footballer Faces New Rape Allegations
- Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is facing additional legal challenges as he prepares for a trial later this year.
- The Crown Prosecution Service announced the new charges on February 12, 2026, stating they relate to alleged offences from 2020 involving a new alleged victim.
- Partey, 32, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 13, 2026, for a first hearing regarding these new charges.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is facing additional legal challenges as he prepares for a trial later this year. The Villarreal player has been charged with two further counts of rape, adding to the existing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault he already faces.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced the new charges on , stating they relate to alleged offences from involving a new alleged victim. These allegations were first reported to police in , prompting a new investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Partey, 32, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on , for a first hearing regarding these new charges. He previously pleaded not guilty to the initial five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court in . Those charges relate to alleged incidents that took place between and , during his time with Arsenal.
The original charges were filed just four days after Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired at the end of . The investigation began in following an initial report of rape to the police.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey has continued his professional career. He joined Villarreal on a one-year deal in the summer, with the signing confirmed after he had been formally charged. Prior to his move to Spain, Partey spent four seasons with Arsenal, joining from Atletico Madrid in and making 130 Premier League appearances for the club.
His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has stated that Partey “denies all the charges against him” and that he “welcomed the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The trial for the initial charges is scheduled to take place on , under a High Court judge. The conditions of his bail currently allow him to continue playing football for Villarreal.
The case now involves allegations against four women in total. The CPS spokesperson confirmed that the new charges relate to a separate report of non-recent offences, adding another layer of complexity to the legal battle facing the Ghanaian international.
The developments come at a critical juncture in Partey’s career, as he attempts to rebuild his reputation and continue playing at a high level in La Liga. The outcome of both the initial trial and the proceedings related to the new charges will undoubtedly have a significant impact on his future both on and off the pitch.