Former Arsenal and Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court in London, as he faces multiple charges of rape and sexual assault spanning incidents during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
The 32‑year‑old footballer made a brief appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, confirming only his identity before bail conditions were set ahead of a full hearing later this year.
Partey stands accused of five counts of rape involving two women, plus a separate sexual assault charge relating to a third woman, with the alleged incidents occurring between April 2021 and June 2022, during his Arsenal tenure.
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC informed the court two counts are alleged incidents of anal rape between Partey and one claimant in a consensual relationship context, while three further rape charges relate to a second woman, including one alleged incident that occurred in Marbella, Spain.
Wearing a dark zip‑neck jumper and standing with his arms folded behind his back, Partey was not asked to enter a plea but acknowledged the charges and understood the terms of bail.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted conditional release, warning that if Partey breached any conditions he would almost certainly be remanded in custody.
He must not contact any of the alleged victims and is required to notify police of any permanent address changes, any stay outside his home exceeding 14 days, or international travel intentions.
In court, Goldspring remarked that Partey is no longer employed in the UK and appears to be based in Spain, a reference to reports of the midfielder’s intended move to Villarreal CF following the expiration of his Arsenal contract at the end of June 2025.
Partey’s next court appearance is scheduled for a trial at London’s Old Bailey on September 2, 2025.
Representing Partey, solicitor Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose reaffirmed her client’s position, stating: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three‑year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Another defence lawyer, Emma Fenn, later echoed that Partey continued to assert his innocence and appreciated the chance to exonerate himself in due course.
The legal proceedings stem from a Metropolitan Police investigation launched after the force received initial rape allegations in February 2022.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022 but remained unnamed during the investigation, allowing him to continue playing for Arsenal as the legal process unfolded.
His contract with Arsenal expired on 30 June 2025, making him a free agent, and subsequent media reports have suggested that Villarreal CF have reached an agreement in principle to secure his signature as a free transfer, contingent upon the resolution of his legal matters.
Partey’s football career has been notable. A product of Atlético Madrid’s academy, he joined Arsenal in 2020 in a then‐club record deal worth around £45 million (€50 million), becoming one of the most expensive Ghanaian transfers in history.
Over five seasons in north London he made well over 130 appearances in all competitions and earned high praise for his defensive midfield work, contributing regularly under Mikel Arteta, especially during the 2021‑22 campaign which was also documented in the Amazon “All or Nothing: Arsenal” series.
While at Arsenal, Partey also represented Ghana internationally, appearing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, earning plaudits as CAF Player of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.
He remained a regular starter until the end of the 2024‑25 season before departing after Arsenal chose not to renew his contract.
Parts of the football community have criticised Arsenal for continuing to select Partey during the ongoing investigation, with questions raised regarding club protocols following the submission of the police file to the Crown Prosecution Service in early 2025.
Despite the controversy, Arsenal maintained a neutral public stance, stating contractual obligations had ended and the legal matter precluded further comment.
Partey will remain under judicial supervision until his appearance at the Old Bailey on 2 September. The conditions of his bail are clear: no contact with the alleged complainants and strict notification duties concerning his whereabouts and travel.