Thomas Partey's court date, rape charges and accusations in full

As Tottenham gear up to take on Villarreal in the Champions League this Tuesday, focus will inevitably fall on one figure in the Spanish club's squad: Thomas Partey. The 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, who left Arsenal this summer after five years, is expected to feature despite facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges.

The accusations, linked to his spell in north London, have overshadowed what was meant to be a fresh chapter in his footballing journey. With another court date scheduled (Wednesday, September 17), Partey's possible inclusion in the matchday squad highlights questions about the ongoing case and its wider impact. Here, Express Football outlines the situation in detail - from the specific allegations to the bail terms that permit him to continue playing. It's a complex issue, and it must be stressed that Partey denies all allegations.

Who is Thomas Partey?

Partey is a combative central midfielder known for his tenacity, energy, defensive reading and range of distribution. Born in Ghana in 1993, he joined Atletico Madrid's academy in 2012 and broke into the first team the following year. He went on to amass close to 200 appearances, claiming both the Europa League and La Liga under Diego Simeone.

Arsenal activated his £45million release clause in October 2020. Across 167 matches he netted nine goals, establishing himself as a core member of Mikel Arteta's side and helping the club regularly challenge for Premier League titles.

After his Arsenal contract expired in June, he signed a one-year deal with Villarreal, only two days after attending court for the first time to face multiple charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, charges which he denies.

What are the charges?

In total, Partey has been charged with six offences: five alleged rapes involving two women, and a separate sexual assault involving another. The alleged incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, during his Arsenal tenure.

The Metropolitan Police began its probe in February 2022 after the initial complaint. Partey was detained in July that year but was not publicly named. He later attended voluntary interviews several times - including in November 2024 and March 2025 - while still playing for Arsenal. The CPS authorised charges on July 31, 2025, just weeks after his departure.

Court dates and proceedings

His first appearance in court came on August 5, 2025, at Westminster Magistrates' Court. That session lasted 15 minutes. Partey only confirmed personal details and was not asked to submit a plea. He was released on conditional bail, with restrictions undisclosed, though seemingly allowing overseas travel and football duties.

The case was transferred to the Crown Court, with the next hearing fixed for September 17 at the Old Bailey, a day after Villarreal face Spurs.

Lawyer comments

Partey's solicitor, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, issued a statement on July 4. "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him," she said. "He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. 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."

Arsenal declined detailed comment, with a spokesman simply saying: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case."

Why is he still playing?

Partey's conditional bail enables him to reside in Spain and represent Villarreal. He has already featured three times for his new club in La Liga and is poised for a Champions League debut.

The arrangement is possible because bail conditions preserve his right to employment and travel, and football bodies refrain from action unless a conviction occurs. Should he be found guilty, consequences could include prison time and lifetime bans under FIFA codes.

What is Villarreal's stance?

Coach Marcelino has praised Partey's professionalism since joining, insisting he is "mentally prepared and technically prepared to play" against Tottenham despite his upcoming hearing. "I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow night," the Spanish coach said.

"For sure he will be ready. We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human. He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level. I think he will get back to a top level. I am very happy he is with us in the team."

Pressed on whether he had discussed the possible fan hostility with Partey, Marcelino replied: "We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent. We're playing a game of football tomorrow, where the important thing is football. This is where football was invented after all. Do you understand me? Thank you."

The manager declined to confirm whether Partey would actually feature against Spurs, but reiterated he was "available" for selection. "He is with the group, he is available, and tomorrow, if nothing happens to a player in terms of fitness, he will be with all of us," Marcelino added. "We are talking more about Thomas than the game."