Thomas Partey Denies All Charges as UK Court Hears New Rape Allegations and Merges Case for Trial

Thomas Partey: Former Arsenal and Ghana national team midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two additional rape charges during a court appearance at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday, April 13. The latest development adds to an already complex legal case involving multiple serious allegations.

The 32-year-old footballer is accused of twice raping a woman in London in December 2020. He appeared in court to formally deny the new charges, maintaining his consistent position of innocence throughout the ongoing legal proceedings.

Thomas Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal after leaving Arsenal in June last year, was first charged in July 2024 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Those earlier allegations relate to incidents said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 and involve multiple complainants. He had already entered not guilty pleas to those initial charges, and a trial had been provisionally set for November this year.

However, the case took a new turn in February 2026 when prosecutors added two further rape charges. With the latest allegations, the total number of charges now stands at seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, reportedly involving four different women.

During Monday’s proceedings, Judge Tony Baumgartner, the Recorder of Westminster, ruled that all charges against the footballer will be tried together in a single trial. While this decision is intended to streamline the legal process and ensure consistency in evidence review, the judge also warned that the consolidation could delay the trial further, potentially pushing it back to January next year.

Thomas Partey Denies All Charges

The court was also informed that Thomas Partey was absent from Westminster Magistrates’ Court during a previous hearing last month, when the additional charges were first presented. Despite his absence, his legal team confirmed that he continues to deny all allegations.

His solicitor, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that Thomas Partey has fully cooperated with law enforcement authorities throughout the investigation. She further emphasized that, due to the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings, neither Partey nor his legal team will be making any further public comments at this stage.

Court conditions confirm that Partey remains on bail. As part of his bail restrictions, he is prohibited from contacting any of the alleged victims while the case remains active in the justice system.

The court also indicated that Mr Justice Bennathan is expected to preside over the full trial. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for May 14, where procedural matters will be reviewed, and preparations for trial will continue. The final trial date will be confirmed once judicial assignments are completed.

Thomas Partey’s legal situation comes at a significant point in his football career. The midfielder, who rose to prominence at Atlético Madrid before joining Arsenal in a £45 million transfer in 2020, has also been a key figure for the Ghana national team. He is widely regarded as an important player for the Black Stars, and the outcome of the case could have major implications for his professional future.

As the case progresses through the UK legal system, it continues to attract significant public and media attention due to Partey’s high-profile status in international football.