Former Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey Charged with Two New Counts of Rape
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with two additional counts of rape, according to an announcement from the Crown Prosecution Service. The Ghanaian footballer, who now plays for Villarreal in Spain, is already facing serious allegations in court, where he has denied raping two women and sexually assaulting a third.
Details of the New Charges and Legal Proceedings
The new charges relate to a separate report of non-recent offences from 2020, involving one additional woman, and follow a fresh investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police. These allegations were first reported in August 2025. Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 13 March for a first hearing regarding these new counts.
Previously, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in connection to incidents alleged by three women, which are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. The footballer has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is due to face trial on these allegations in November.
Background and Club Controversy
The initial investigation into Thomas Partey commenced in 2022, while he was still a regular player for Arsenal. He was charged just four days after departing the London club in June, following the expiration of his contract. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the conditions of his bail do not prevent him from playing football, although he must notify police of any international travel 24 hours in advance and is prohibited from contacting the complainants.
Honor Barber, co-founder of an Arsenal supporters' group, has publicly criticized the club for its handling of the situation. 'Arsenal knew about the investigations into Thomas Partey and still played him week in, week out,' she stated. 'We are appalled as fans that our club sent a message. Thomas Partey was still listed as an Arsenal player on the morning of the charging decision. It is unforgivable that (Mikel) Arteta and Arsenal’s management insisted on playing him throughout this investigation.'
Barber further demanded transparency from Arsenal's management regarding their policies on players and staff involved in such investigations. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about how sports organizations address allegations of misconduct by their athletes.
Current Status and Implications
As the legal process unfolds, Thomas Partey continues his football career with Villarreal in Spain. The case has drawn significant attention due to his high profile as a professional athlete and the gravity of the charges. The outcome of the trial in November will be closely watched by fans, legal experts, and advocacy groups alike.
The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized that these new charges are part of a separate investigation and do not affect the existing case set for trial. This development underscores the complexity and seriousness of the allegations against the former Arsenal star.
