Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The allegations relate to three separate women who reported attacks between 2021 and 2022, the Metropolitan Police said.
Partey has been charged with two counts of rape of one woman, three counts of rape of a second woman and one count of sexual assault against a third woman.
The charges follow an investigation that started in February 2022 after police first received a report of a rape.
The 32-year-old is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.
Partey denies the charges and, according to his lawyer per the BBC, “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”.
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Thomas Partey charged with rape: Police statement
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy is leading the investigation.
“Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward,” he said. “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].”
Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The Crown Prosecution Service 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.”
Thomas Partey’s Arsenal career
Partey left Arsenal when his contract expired on Monday, June 30.
He joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid for £45.3m in October 2020, becoming an integral part of the side that finished as Premier League runners-up in each of the past three seasons under Mikel Arteta.
Overall, he made 130 appearances for Arsenal and scored nine goals.
Partey is a long-time Ghana international and has scored 15 goals in 53 caps for his country.
