Thomas Partey
By Julius Manganda
Former Ghana international footballer Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court to face five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges relate to alleged offences involving three women, reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. Partey, 32, denies all the charges.
The midfielder appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a hearing where he was not asked to enter a plea but was required to confirm that he understood the charges and the conditions of his bail. The case has now been referred to the Crown Court, and Partey is due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2.
According to court documents, two counts of rape relate to one woman, three further rape charges concern a second woman, and one count of sexual assault involves a third.
Partey was initially arrested in July 2022 during a police investigation, but he was not named at the time. He continued playing professional football while investigations were underway.
Now a free agent following the expiration of his contract in June, Partey maintains his innocence. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, said in a statement:
“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that it authorised the charges after an extensive investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police.
Before becoming entangled in legal troubles, Thomas Partey was widely celebrated as one of Ghana’s most influential footballers of his generation. Known for his composure, vision, and commanding presence in midfield, he earned more than 40 international caps and represented the Black Stars at multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Partey often wore the vice-captain’s armband and was credited with being a leader both on and off the pitch, mentoring younger players and anchoring Ghana’s midfield in high-stakes international fixtures. His performances earned him recognition as a vital asset to the national team, with fans and pundits hailing him as a symbol of Ghana’s footballing strength on the global stage.
His move to the English Premier League in 2020 marked a major step in his career, and he remained a regular first-team player until his contract ended earlier this year.
As the legal process unfolds, Partey’s once-celebrated career faces intense public scrutiny, casting a shadow over his legacy and raising difficult questions about accountability in professional sport.
