Thomas Partey pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges at Southwark Crown Court. The trial is set for November 2026, with Partey on bail and playing for Villarreal. The allegations stem from incidents in 2021-2022 during his time at Arsenal, involving three women. He confirms his name, date of birth, and not-guilty pleas during a plea and preparation hearing
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has entered a plea of not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court, London. The 32-year-old, who now plays for Villarreal, is accused of assaulting three women, with the alleged offenses occurring between 2021 and 2022, during his tenure as an Arsenal player. The court appearance follows his participation as a second-half substitute for Villarreal in their Champions League match against Spurs on Tuesday night, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat.
During the plea and preparation hearing, Partey confirmed his name, date of birth, and entered his not-guilty pleas. Judge Christopher Hehir announced that the trial is scheduled to commence on November 2, 2026, acknowledging the considerable delay due to the backlog in crown courts. Partey remains on bail with the conditions that he must not contact any of the three women involved and must notify the police of any changes to his address or international travel plans.
The accusations against Partey involve two counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged incidents took place in London, where Partey was based while playing for Arsenal. These charges have cast a shadow over the player's career, impacting his professional and personal life.
Partey's journey to the Premier League began when he joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020, in a high-profile transfer worth approximately £45 million. Prior to his move to England, he had a successful career in Spain, playing for Atlético Madrid since 2012, making 188 appearances for the club. He also had loan spells at Mallorca and Almería, gaining valuable experience before establishing himself as a key player for Atlético.
Following his time with Arsenal, Partey made a move to Villarreal in August on a free transfer, seeking a new chapter in his career. The transfer to the Spanish club provided him with an opportunity to continue playing at a high level and compete in the Champions League. However, the ongoing legal proceedings have added complexity to his professional life.
The trial, set for November 2026, is expected to be closely followed by the media and football community. The outcome will have significant implications for Partey's career and reputation. Until then, he is permitted to continue playing for Villarreal, subject to the conditions of his bail.
The judge emphasized the court's backlog, explaining that individuals on bail are placed in a queue behind those in custody awaiting trial. This highlights the challenges faced by the justice system in managing its caseload and ensuring timely hearings for all defendants.
The details emerging from the case have led to widespread discussion about the responsibilities and conduct expected of professional athletes, both on and off the field. Football clubs and organizations are increasingly focused on promoting ethical behavior and implementing measures to address allegations of misconduct involving their players.
As Partey prepares for the trial, he remains focused on his football career, aiming to contribute to Villarreal's success in both domestic and European competitions. The support of his teammates and club is vital as he navigates these challenging circumstances.
The legal proceedings are expected to involve extensive evidence gathering and witness testimony. The prosecution will aim to prove Partey's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while the defense will present arguments and evidence to challenge the allegations.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The legal system is designed to ensure fairness and justice for all parties involved, and the outcome of the trial will be determined based on the evidence presented in court.
The impact of this case extends beyond the individual involved, raising broader questions about the culture within professional sports and the measures in place to protect individuals from abuse and misconduct. The football community continues to grapple with issues of accountability and the need for greater transparency in addressing allegations of wrongdoing.