Thomas Partey Out on Conditional Bail, Trial Set for September
Thomas Partey, charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, has been granted conditional bail after appearing in a UK court. The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022 while he was an Arsenal player. Now a free agent, he is reportedly close to signing with Spanish club Villarreal. His next court appearance is set for September 2 at the Old Bailey, where he will formally respond to the charges.
On August 5, 2025, Ghanaian international and former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London over multiple rape and sexual assault charges. The charges include five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman. The alleged offences occurred between April 2021 and June 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
Partey did not enter a plea but confirmed his identity during the brief hearing. The court granted him conditional bail with strict terms: he must not contact any of the complainants, must notify authorities of any travel or long-term address changes, and must inform the police if he intends to leave the country or stay at another location for over 14 days.
The case has now been escalated to the Old Bailey, where Partey is expected to appear again on September 2, 2025.
Legal Background
Partey was initially arrested in July 2022, though he continued playing for Arsenal while investigations proceeded. Following a review of the police evidence submitted in January 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) moved forward with formal charges in July, shortly after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30, 2025.
The charges involve serious allegations, including claims of anal rape by one of the women and separate allegations from a second woman, some of which reportedly occurred while Partey was abroad. The single sexual assault charge relates to a third woman.
Partey has denied all charges through his legal team and says he is cooperating fully with the legal process. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that Partey is “determined to clear his name” and is prepared to face the legal system with full transparency.
Arsenal's Position and Career Update
With Partey no longer contracted to Arsenal, the club has refrained from making detailed comments but confirmed that all necessary protocols were followed during the investigation period. Manager Mikel Arteta told reporters that the club acted appropriately and supported due process throughout.
Currently a free agent, Partey is reportedly on the verge of signing a two-year contract with Villarreal CF in Spain. He has already passed a medical, and a formal announcement is expected soon. His court appearance coincides with this major career move, and reports suggest he may even feature in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal.
Despite legal constraints, the Villarreal transfer remains in motion, though any international travel will depend on further court permissions.
Looking Ahead
Thomas Partey’s next court appearance at the Old Bailey is scheduled for September 2, 2025. Until then, he remains out on conditional bail. As a high-profile athlete facing serious legal charges, Partey’s case continues to attract global attention—both for its legal implications and the impact on his professional football career.
Source:
Myjoyonline.com/The Sun/Reuters/TheGuardian
