Thomas Partey denies new rape charges as legal case continues

Thomas Partey, the Ghana international midfielder currently playing for Villarreal CF, has indicated that he will plead not guilty to two newly filed rape charges, according to his lawyer during a court appearance in London on Friday.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal FC player is already facing a series of serious allegations and is awaiting trial on multiple charges.

These include five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault related to a third woman. Prosecutors say those alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022.

The latest charges stem from a separate allegation made by another woman, who claims that Partey raped her twice on the same day in December 2020.

According to statements presented during a preliminary hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, the new accusations surfaced after the earlier charges against the footballer became public.

Partey did not attend the hearing in person, as his presence was not required for the procedural session.

However, his lawyer, Emma Fenn, informed the court that the midfielder intends to contest the accusations and will enter a plea of not guilty to the new charges as well.

The case is scheduled to return to court on April 10 for further proceedings.

The first group of charges against the Ghanaian international had already been brought before the courts last year.

Partey pleaded not guilty to those allegations and is set to stand trial in November at Southwark Crown Court.

Partey’s legal troubles began shortly after his departure from Arsenal in the summer of 2025.

The midfielder’s contract with the North London club expired, and he was initially charged only days later.

Despite the ongoing case, he was granted bail and subsequently signed for Villarreal in August, just two days after the court decision.

Before moving to England, Partey had built a strong reputation during his time with Atlético Madrid, where his performances helped establish him as one of Africa’s leading midfielders.

He joined Arsenal in 2020 in a high-profile transfer and spent several seasons with the Premier League club.

Internationally, Partey remains an important figure for the Ghana national football team.

He has earned more than 50 caps for his country and recently featured in three World Cup qualifying matches during September and October.

Ghana has already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will compete in a challenging group alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team.

As the legal process continues, Partey maintains his innocence while preparing to defend himself against the allegations in the upcoming court hearings.