Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Rape
Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple sexual offence charges at Southwark Crown Court in London.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who recently completed a transfer from Arsenal to Spanish side Villarreal, is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey had been on police bail since August, a decision that enabled him to finalise his move to Villarreal and feature in Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. Villarreal secured a 2-1 victory, though Partey was subjected to boos and chants from Spurs supporters referencing the ongoing case.
At Wednesday’s court hearing, Partey formally entered not guilty pleas to all charges. Judge Christopher Hehir scheduled the full trial to begin in November 2026. Until then, Partey will remain on conditional bail, which requires him to surrender his passport, avoid international travel without court approval, and maintain strict no-contact orders with the complainants.
The case has attracted international attention, both because of Partey’s high-profile football career and the seriousness of the charges. Villarreal and Partey’s legal team have not issued detailed public statements beyond confirming his cooperation with the judicial process.
Source – My News Ghana
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