Thomas Partey, a Ghanaian international footballer and former Arsenal midfielder, has pleaded not guilty to multiple sexual offense charges during a court appearance Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court. His trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 2, 2026.

The 32-year-old currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal CF. He faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three separate women, according to the U.K. Crown Prosecution Service. The alleged offenses occurred between 2021 and 2022.

The plea comes as Partey continues his professional football career in Spain. He appeared in court less than 24 hours after playing in a UEFA Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur, during which he was booed by sections of the crowd. Villarreal lost the fixture 1-0.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the first complaint was filed in February 2022, while Partey was under contract with Arsenal FC. Authorities formally charged him following the expiration of that contract in June 2025. He joined Villarreal in August, a transfer that received criticism from some supporters due to the pending legal case.

Partey was initially granted bail by Westminster Magistrates’ Court under a set of conditions, including restrictions on contacting the complainants. His legal team has stated that he “denies all charges” and “looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name.”

A prior hearing was scheduled for Sept. 2 at the Old Bailey but was rescheduled without public explanation. His case is one of several high-profile legal matters in European football in recent years, raising questions around player conduct, club liability, and public response.

Neither Villarreal CF nor Arsenal FC have issued new statements since the latest developments.

Source:TheDotNews