Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey charged with five counts of rape
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Met Police have announced.
The offences mentioned in the charges are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 and charges were brought after detectives submitted a file of evidence.
Two of the counts of rape relate to one woman and the other three relate to another woman, while the charge of sexual assault relates to a third woman.
The Met Police confirmed that they have issued a charge and requisition to Partey, who is currently living in Hertfordshire.
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Charges against Partey follow an investigation which started in February 2022 after police received a report of rape, the former Arsenal footballer will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August.
Police have said they wish to support the women who have spoken to them about Partey, and urge anyone else who knows anything relevant to their investigations to come forward and contact them.
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 [email protected]."
Partey joined Arsenal in October 2020 for a fee of £45 million and played for the Gunners for five seasons, he departed the London club last month after his contract expired and he failed to agree a new deal.
The 32-year-old Ghanian is currently without a club, having left Arsenal four days ago (30 June).
Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "The CPS 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 was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal for three further years afterwards.
Arsenal FC told LADbible in a statement: "The player’s contract ended on 30 June.
"Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on this case."
Joe Harker