Thomas Partey appeared in court on Tuesday after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault last month. The 32-year-old, who was charged four days after his Arsenal contract expired, is also set to join Spanish club Villarreal on a two-year contract.
Partey appeared in person for the first time as he went before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, having been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). He is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, CPS said. He denies all charges.
The allegations relate to three women who reported incidents which took place between 2021 and 2022, with the first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022 according to the Metropolitan Police.
The court date, listed as a first hearing and not plea hearing, was heard in public, meaning members of the general public were able to attend.
Any charges will have to be dealt with at a Crown Court, the magistrates will set any bail conditions.
In a statement on July 4, when Partey was charged, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.
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“He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
An Arsenal spokesman said: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said last month: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk.”
Partey is widely reported to be in advanced talks with La Liga side Villarreal, with players who have been accused or are under investigation for any offence not an impediment per the league’s rules.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is thought to be waiting for the player’s registration to be made official before studying whether or not to draw up a new set of regulations, according to The Athletic.
The case continues.