Arsenal release statement after Thomas Partey is charged with five counts of rape
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Partey with the offences that are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
The 32-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
In response to the charges, Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.
“He has fully cooperated with the police and the CPS throughout their three-year investigation.
“He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.
“Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
Arsenal released a statement to the BBC later on Friday, which read: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Partey was charged following an investigation which commenced in February 2022.
Police state two charges of rape were related to one woman, three counts of rape were related to a second woman and one count of sexual assault was related to a third woman.
In the police statement, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by the case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team.”
Jaswant Narwal, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
“We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Partey was first arrested in July 2022 but was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations remained ongoing.
From the 2022/23 season onwards, Partey made 108 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions.
Of those 108 appearances, 52 came in the 2024/25 campaign.
The defensive midfielder joined Arsenal in October 2020 after they triggered his £45m release clause from Atletico Madrid.
In total, he went on to spend five seasons in north London and made a total of 167 appearances.
Across his five years at the club, Partey scored six goals and registered seven assists.
He was released by the Gunners upon the expiry of his contract on June 30.
