Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations that have raised significant questions about the case and its timeline. The charges relate to incidents involving three women, which are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. Partey has vehemently denied all accusations.
What Are the Allegations?
Partey was formally charged on July 4, 2025, following a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police. The charges include five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with two rape counts linked to one complainant, three to another, and the sexual assault charge involving a third woman. The former Ghana international has maintained his innocence, with his lawyer stating, "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name."
Why Did the Investigation Take Three Years?
Partey was first arrested in July 2022 on suspicion of rape, but it took until December 2024 for the police to submit their initial report to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). After further review, the CPS concluded in April 2025 that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with charges. Legal experts note that rape cases are among the most complex to prosecute, and the CPS only presses charges when there is a "realistic possibility of conviction." The delay highlights the sensitivity and thoroughness required in such investigations.
Timing of Charges: A Coincidence?
The charges came just days after Partey's Arsenal contract expired on June 30, 2025, fueling speculation about the timing. However, the CPS has emphasized that its decisions are based solely on evidence and not influenced by external factors. While some have questioned whether the expiration of his contract played a role, there is no evidence to suggest this was the case. Partey is now free to join any club worldwide, as he is no longer tied to Arsenal.
Why Was Partey Not Named Earlier?
Under UK law, individuals under investigation for sexual crimes are granted privacy until formal charges are brought. This rule, established by a 2022 Supreme Court decision, prevents media outlets from naming suspects before charges are filed. As a result, while Partey's investigation was widely discussed on social media, mainstream media could not report on it until he was formally charged. This led to unusual scenarios, such as fans taunting Partey during matches without his name being publicly disclosed.
Why Didn’t Arsenal Suspend Partey?
Arsenal faced criticism for not suspending Partey during the investigation. The club has not publicly addressed its decision, but legal experts suggest that employers must balance the presumption of innocence with their duty of care to all employees. Suspending Partey without a conviction could have raised legal and ethical concerns, highlighting the complexities of handling such cases in the public eye.
As the case progresses, it remains a focal point of legal and public debate, underscoring the challenges of addressing serious allegations in high-profile contexts.
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