Former Arsenal and Ghana international footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday.
The charges stem from complaints made by three women, with the alleged offences occurring between 2021 and 2022, according to a police statement.
The Metropolitan Police said the charges “follow an investigation by detectives which began in February 2022,” after the first complaint was received.
Partey, 32, was charged just four days after his departure from the North London club. He is scheduled to appear in a central London court on August 5.
According to police, the five rape charges involve two of the women, while the sexual assault charge relates to a third.
Partey’s legal team issued a statement maintaining his innocence.
“Mr. Partey denies all the charges against him,” said his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire.
“He has fully cooperated with the police and the CPS throughout their three-year investigation.
He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.
Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, my client is unable to comment further.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said the priority remained “supporting the women who have come forward.” He also encouraged anyone affected by the case, or anyone with relevant information, to contact the police.
