Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple rape charges during a court appearance at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old Ghana international, now playing for Villarreal in Spain, faces five counts of rape involving two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences date back to 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
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Partey, appearing in court the day after featuring as a substitute in Villarreal’s Champions League match against Tottenham, spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his pleas.
Judge Christopher Hehir confirmed that Partey’s trial will begin on November 2, 2026, under a High Court judge. He acknowledged the lengthy wait, citing a “huge backlog of work” in the crown courts, and explained that defendants on bail face longer delays compared to those in custody.
Partey was granted bail under the same conditions as before, including prohibitions on contacting the three women involved and a requirement to inform police of any permanent address changes or international travel.
