Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey charged with two new counts of rape

Thomas Partey earlier pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and remains on conditional bail, which allows him to continue his professional career.
Thomas Partey earlier pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and remains on conditional bail, which allows him to continue his professional career.Credit: Yui Mok, PA Images / Alamy / Profimedia

Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with two additional counts of rape by the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Ghana international.

The new charges stem from an earlier complaint to police alleging offences dating back to 2020, before those previously reported, and involve an additional woman. 

The Metropolitan Police said the latest accusations are being treated as “non-recent offences” following a fresh investigation. 

Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 13th, 2026, in relation to these new counts.

The 32-year-old, who now plays in Spain’s LaLiga with Villarreal, had already been facing a separate set of serious charges. 

Partey currently plays for Villarreal
Partey currently plays for VillarrealOliver Kaelke / DeFodi Images / Profimedia

Prosecutors had charged him last year with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, allegations linked to incidents allegedly occurring while he was at Arsenal between 2021 and 2022.

He pleaded not guilty to those earlier charges at Southwark Crown Court in September 2025, and a trial date has been set for November 2nd, 2026. 

Partey remains on conditional bail, which allows him to continue his professional career, provided he notifies police of international travel and does not contact the complainants.

Earlier Investigation and Court Appearances

The first public legal developments came in July 2025, when the Metropolitan Police charged Partey with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault after a multi-year investigation that began in February 2022, when police received the first complaint.

The initial charges relate to alleged incidents involving three women and are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 while Partey was an active Premier League player for Arsenal. Under UK law, the details of allegations are limited in reporting to protect the integrity of proceedings.

Partey appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court in August 2025, where he was granted conditional bail. Conditions included prohibitions on contacting the alleged victims and requirements to notify police of any moves or travel.

In September 2025, he made a brief appearance at Southwark Crown Court, confirming his identity and entering not guilty pleas to the original set of charges. The court set the trial for autumn 2026, reflecting the backlog in the UK Crown Court system.

Professional and Public Response

Partey’s case has drawn significant media attention and public discussion. While clubs at times expressed support for due process, there was also public criticism about how allegations were handled historically. 

During the period of investigation, the midfielder continued to play for Arsenal, and one of the alleged victims later reported receiving abuse online tied to his appearances on the pitch.

After his Arsenal contract was allowed to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, Partey signed with Villarreal in Spain. The club released a statement noting its respect for the legal process and the presumption of innocence.

Partey also continues to represent Ghana internationally and remains a figure in the national side ahead of the World Cup despite the legal proceedings.

What Happens Next

The newly authorised charges will be proceeded with separately, beginning at the March hearing in Westminster, while the original case remains on course for its November 2026 trial. Under UK criminal law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Owuraku Ampofo
Owuraku AmpofoFlashscore

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