Thomas Partey charged with multiple rapes and sexual assault after leaving Arsenal

Thomas Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police. The former Arsenal midfielder recently left the Gunners after five years at the club upon the expiry of his contract. He was not offered a new deal by the north Londoners and is now a free agent.

Now, it has been confirmed that Partey has been charged with a number of alleged sexual offences. In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service said they had authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge the 32-year-old with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 5 August.

The statement adds that two counts of rape relate to one woman, while the other three counts of rape are in connection to a second woman. The single charge of sexual assault is linked to a third woman.

The alleged offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in 2022.

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 this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk."

Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, told The Telegraph: "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 began his career with Atletico Madrid, establishing himself as a key player following loan spells at Mallorca and Almeira. During his time in Spain, he won a number of trophies including La Liga, the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.

Arsenal signed Partey in 2020 and he went on to make 167 appearances for the Gunners, scoring nine goals and winning the Community Shield in 2023. He has also featured 53 times for Ghana at international level.