Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the UK, with his trial set to begin on November 2, 2026.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the former Arsenal star faces two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts involving another, and a sexual assault charge relating to a third woman. The alleged offences reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022.
Partey, 32, entered his plea at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, September 17, a day after featuring for Villarreal in their 1-0 UEFA Champions League loss to Tottenham Hotspur, where he was jeered by Spurs fans.
The midfielder was first reported to police in February 2022 and was formally charged earlier this year after leaving Arsenal at the end of his contract in June. He is currently out on bail under strict conditions, including a ban on contacting the complainants.
His lawyer has insisted that Partey “denies all charges” and “welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.” The Ghanaian signed for Villarreal on August 7, 2025, a move that sparked protests among some fans of the Spanish club.
