By Agency Reports
Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The charges follow a two-and-a-half-year investigation by the Metropolitan Police. The case has sparked outrage and criticism against Arsenal for continuing to play Partey while fully aware of the ongoing investigation.
Three allegations involve three different women and relate to incidents that reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022. Partey, 32, will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 5.
Jaswant Narwal of the CPS stated: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence… It is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Despite his contract expiring on July 1, Partey was still listed as a player on Arsenal’s official website when the news broke. Replica shirts with his name remained on sale.
Critics, including campaigners and legal experts, condemned the club’s handling of the matter. Dino Nocivelli, a lawyer involved in high-profile abuse cases in sport, said: “The fact that the defendant was able to continue his working life is wrong and sends the wrong message for such serious allegations.”
Partey continued to play for Arsenal during the investigation, making 52 appearances last season and 56 more in the previous two seasons. He also represented Ghana at the 2022 World Cup.
Fans and advocacy groups expressed their anger at the club for not suspending him. “In most industries, professionals would be automatically suspended as soon as their employer learns of serious criminal allegations,” campaigners noted.
Honor Barber, a founding member of Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence, said, “I was in the stadium listening to opposition fans singing about this case. I never hear any response from our own fans. This is more serious than rivalry.”
She and other protesters have regularly gathered outside the Emirates Stadium demanding Partey’s suspension and calling for the introduction of mandatory rules across football for handling allegations of this nature.
The Football Association reportedly received a complaint in 2022 but concluded Partey posed no risk of harm to others in football. Critics argue that the absence of clear FA or Premier League guidelines has led to inconsistent handling of such cases by clubs.
The FA, Premier League, and Arsenal have declined to comment.