Partey’s trial set for Nov 2026 as he denies rape charges
The Ghanaian international footballer has denied all the charges.
Elohim Nyame 
Ghanaian soccer star midfielder Thomas Teye Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with his trial set to commence on November 2, 2026.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the United Kingdom, the ex-Arsenal star faces two counts of rape involving one woman and three counts involving another, while the sexual assault charge relates to a third woman. Partey has denied all the charges.
Signed for Seria A side Villarreal on August 7, he confirmed his plea at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, September 17. He appeared in court adorned in black trousers, a black quarter-zip jumper, and a blue jacket.
The plea arrived just hours after he featured for Spanish side Villarreal in their UEFA Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, where he was jeered by Spurs fans throughout the game. Villarreal lost the match 1-0.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the first report was received in February 2022. Partey was officially charged briefly after exiting Arsenal at the end of his contract in June this year.
He had earlier appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail under strict conditions, including being barred from contacting any of the women involved in the case.
Partey’s counsel has maintained that the midfielder “denies all the charges against him” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
His plea hearing was oriSeptember scheduled for September 2 at the Old Bailey but was adjourned without explanation, leading to Wednesday’s appearance — less than a day after the Champions League match day.
