Arsenal have released a statement following confirmation that former midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The charges were confirmed on Friday by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), days after Partey’s contract at the Emirates expired on June 30.
In a brief statement to the BBC, Arsenal said, “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Partey, 32, is accused of attacking three women between 2021 and 2022. According to the CPS and the Metropolitan Police, two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts of rape relating to a second woman, and the sexual assault charge involves a third woman. The alleged victims cannot be named for legal reasons.
The Ghana international is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022, following the launch of a police investigation earlier that year. He continued to play for Arsenal while on bail and made over 50 appearances during the period the investigation was ongoing.
A statement from Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman & Rose, said the midfielder “denies all the charges” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” adding that he has “fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their investigation.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who 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.”
