Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Rape and Sexual Assault Charges in UK Court

Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with his trial set to begin on November 2, 2026. According to the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the former Arsenal star faces two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts involving another, and a sexual assault charge related to a third woman.

Partey confirmed his plea at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, September 17, appearing in court dressed in black trousers, a quarter-zip jumper, and a blue jacket. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, with the first report made to police in February 2022. He was formally charged earlier this year after leaving Arsenal at the end of his contract in June.

The plea came just hours after Partey played for Villarreal in their UEFA Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, where Spurs fans jeered him throughout the game. Villarreal lost 1-0. The Ghana international had earlier been granted bail at Westminster Magistrates’ Court under strict conditions, including a ban on contacting any of the women involved in the case.

His lawyer insists he “denies all the charges” and “welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.” Partey joined Villarreal on August 7, 2025, in a move that sparked protests from sections of the club’s supporters. His plea hearing, initially scheduled for September 2 at the Old Bailey, was adjourned without explanation, leading to his appearance a day after the Champions League fixture.