Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has denied raping two women and sexually assaulting a third, after appearing at Southwark Crown Court in London.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international, who now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022, when he was still playing in the Premier League.
Partey was formally charged four days after leaving Arsenal at the end of June, following the expiration of his contract.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the footballer spoke only to confirm his name and enter pleas of not guilty to each of the charges. He has been granted bail until his trial, which is scheduled to begin on 2 November 2026 at the same court.
As part of his bail conditions, Partey must notify police of any international travel 24 hours in advance and is barred from contacting the complainants. However, the conditions do not prevent him from playing football.
Partey was already in England this week as Villarreal faced Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League. He came on as a substitute in Tuesday’s match, which ended in a 1–0 defeat for the Spanish club.
The case has drawn significant attention given Partey’s high profile in both English and Spanish football. He remains a key member of Ghana’s national team.
