Ex-Arsenal player Thomas Partey pleads not guilty to rape allegations | Football | Sport

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two new allegations of rape at Southwark Crown Court. The 32-year-old, who now plays for Villarreal, is on trial after denying raping two women and sexually assaulting a third.

Partey appeared in court on Monday after being hit with two additional charges of raping another woman in December 2020, with the allegations first being reported in August 2025. The Ghana international also pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault in September. The offences were allegedly carried out between 2021 and 2022 and Partey is set to stand trial on November 2.

On Monday, Judge Tony Baumgartner, the Recorder of Westminster, agreed for all of the allegations to be tried together. He warned Partey and lawyers involved in the case that this could mean that the trial is delayed until January 2027.

Partey, wearing a black jumper over a white shirt, black trousers and smart black shoes, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his two not guilty pleas. He was absent from Westminster Magistrates’ Court when the charges were brought for the first time.

The court heard Mr Justice Bennathan is expected to be the trial judge. A decision on the exact trial date will be made when the judge has been confirmed.

Partey is currently on bail during the legal proceedings, with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. The ex-Arsenal man, who left the club at the end of his contract in the summer, is expected to face England at the World Cup.

After the latest charges were made, Partey’s defence lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated with the police throughout.

“Given there are ongoing legal proceedings, there will be no further comment.”

Partey was absent from Villarreal’s squad that defeated Athletic Club on Sunday. The ex-Atletico Madrid anchor has featured in 26 matches for the Yellow Submarine this season, including 12 starts.

Conditions of Partey’s bail require him to notify authorities of any alterations to his address or plans to travel abroad.

Partey previously lived in Potters Bar in Hertfordshire after joining Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in a transfer worth in the region of £45million. The midfielder made 167 appearances across five seasons for the Gunners.