Former Arsenal Player Thomas Partey Charged with Two Further Counts of Rape as Statement Issued

Former Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey Facing Two Further Counts of Rape as Legal Case Deepens

Thomas Partey’s career has taken another deeply troubling turn. The former Arsenal player, now with Villarreal in Spain, has been charged with two further counts of rape, adding to an already serious and ongoing legal case that continues to cast a long shadow over his professional life.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who left Arsenal in the summer of 2025 at the end of his contract, had previously denied five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault. Now, following a new investigation by the Metropolitan Police, prosecutors have authorised two additional charges linked to separate allegations.

The developments mark another significant escalation in a case that has unfolded over several years and has drawn intense scrutiny from both the football world and the wider public.

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Statement from the Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the latest charges in an official statement that outlined the scope of the new allegations.

“These new charges relate to a separate report of non-recent offences in 2020 involving one additional woman and follow a new investigation by the Metropolitan Police,” the statement read. “These allegations were first reported in August 2025.”

The CPS decision means that Partey will now face an expanded list of charges when he appears at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 13. The case had already been progressing through the legal system following his appearance at Southwark Crown Court in September 2025, where he entered not guilty pleas to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The alleged offences connected to the earlier charges were said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 — a period during which Partey was a regular presence in Arsenal’s first team.

Timeline: From Arsenal Regular to Legal Turmoil

Partey joined Arsenal in October 2020 in a high-profile move from Atletico Madrid, arriving in North London with significant expectations. Known for his athleticism, tactical awareness and ability to control midfield tempo, he quickly became an important figure under Mikel Arteta.

Over five seasons, he made 167 appearances for the Gunners, featuring regularly in Premier League and European competition. On the pitch, he was viewed as a stabilising presence in midfield — experienced, disciplined and physically imposing.

Off the pitch, however, events were moving in a very different direction.

The initial investigation into Partey became public knowledge during his time at Arsenal, although he continued to play while on bail. His contract with the club expired in the summer of 2025, and just four days later he was formally charged.

Arsenal chose not to extend his deal, and Partey departed as a free agent.

Bail Conditions and Ongoing Eligibility to Play

Despite the severity of the allegations, Partey has remained eligible to continue his professional career under the conditions of his bail.

He is currently barred from contacting any of the complainants and is required to inform police of any international travel at least 24 hours before departure. However, there are no restrictions preventing him from playing competitive football.

The trial related to the original charges is scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026. The newly authorised counts will now be incorporated into proceedings following his upcoming court appearance.

The legal process remains ongoing, and Partey continues to deny all allegations.

Move to Villarreal and Struggles in Spain

After leaving Arsenal, Partey signed a one-year contract with Villarreal in Spain. The move was seen by some as an opportunity for a fresh start in a different footballing environment. Yet his time in La Liga has been far from straightforward.

On the pitch, his performances during the 2025–26 campaign have drawn criticism. Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has been candid in his assessment.

“I think there’s a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one,” Marcelino said earlier in the season. “A world of difference.”

The manager acknowledged that adapting to the pace and intensity of modern football can be difficult, but suggested that enough time had passed for improvement to be visible.

“It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football,” Marcelino added. “It’s been six months now, and that’s enough time for this player to show us what he was or what he’s showing now.”

For a player once regarded as one of Europe’s most reliable defensive midfielders, the contrast has been stark.

World Cup Participation and International Commitments

Despite the legal proceedings in the United Kingdom, Partey remains part of Ghana’s national team setup. With 56 international caps to his name, he has long been a central figure for the Black Stars.

Ghana are scheduled to participate in the 2026 World Cup in North America, with a group-stage fixture against England in Boston on June 23 already drawing attention. Under his bail conditions, Partey must notify authorities prior to international travel, but there is currently no prohibition on him representing his country.

His inclusion in the squad has generated debate, reflecting the broader tension between legal due process and public perception.

Football, Accountability and Public Scrutiny

Cases of this nature inevitably raise uncomfortable questions for football institutions. Clubs, governing bodies and sponsors are often placed in difficult positions when players face serious criminal allegations but have not been convicted.

Throughout the investigation and charging process, Partey has maintained his innocence. The legal principle of presumption of innocence remains central to proceedings. At the same time, public scrutiny has intensified with each new development.

For Arsenal, the decision not to renew his contract effectively marked the end of an era. For Villarreal, the choice to sign him on a short-term deal carried both sporting and reputational considerations.

Now, with additional charges authorised, the spotlight grows even brighter.

Thomas Partey Villarreal 2025-26

Future Uncertain as Contract Nears Expiry

Partey’s one-year contract with Villarreal is set to expire at the end of June. As it stands, he is heading toward free agency once again — this time under even heavier legal and professional uncertainty.

Whether Villarreal choose to extend his stay, or whether any other club would be willing to enter negotiations while the case remains unresolved, is unclear. Much may depend on the outcome of the November 2026 trial.

For now, Thomas Partey’s footballing future remains secondary to the judicial process unfolding in the courts.

A Career at a Crossroads

There was a time when discussions around Thomas Partey centred purely on midfield battles, tactical systems and title ambitions. Today, those conversations have been replaced by court dates, legal statements and difficult questions.

The addition of two further counts of rape represents a significant development in an already serious case. As proceedings continue, the focus will inevitably shift to the courtroom rather than the pitch.

What lies ahead — for Partey, for his clubs and for the broader football community — will be shaped not by transfer windows or tactical decisions, but by the outcome of a legal process that is far from over.