Thomas Partey, a former Arsenal player, has been granted bail after appearing in court in London over serious legal accusations. The 32-year-old Ghanaian footballer is facing six charges — five of them for rape involving two different women, and one for sexual assault involving a third woman. According to the prosecution, one of these incidents reportedly happened during a trip to Spain, while another occurred at his home in February 2022.
When the charges were read out in court, Partey stood with his arms behind his back and showed no visible reaction. His lawyer, Emma Fenn, did not oppose the request to transfer the case to the Crown Court. The judge, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, confirmed that the case would be moved to the Old Bailey, as the majority of the charges need to be handled at a higher court. The magistrate also noted that Partey is now playing for Villarreal in Spain, no longer working in the UK.
Although the court granted Partey bail, the conditions were strict. He is not allowed to contact any of the alleged victims. He must also inform the police if he moves, stays somewhere else for more than 14 days, or plans to travel outside the country. The judge warned him that breaking any of these rules could lead to his arrest and possible remand in custody.
The UK police stated that the first report of a rape involving Partey came in February 2022. The charges were officially brought against him four days after he left Arsenal when his contract expired in June. Prosecutors clarified that the charges include two rape counts involving one woman, three more involving another woman, and one count of sexual assault involving a third.
Partey had joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and played 35 matches during the 2024/25 season, which saw Arsenal finish second in the Premier League and reach the Champions League semi-finals. His legal team has previously said that he welcomes the opportunity to clear his name and defend himself. He is expected to appear again in court at the Old Bailey on September 2.
