Ex-Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey Faces Two Additional Rape Charges
Sports Updated: 12 February 2026 17:36 EAT
Thomas Teye Partey
Former Arsenal and current Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey, 32, has been charged with two new counts of rape, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed on Thursday, 12 February 2026. The additional charges follow a further investigation by the Metropolitan Police into alleged incidents involving a separate complainant.
Partey was already facing five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault from previous allegations involving three women. The original charges stem from alleged incidents that took place between 2021 and 2022. Partey has consistently denied all the allegations.
He pleaded not guilty to the initial set of charges when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court in September 2025. A trial for those charges has been scheduled to begin on 2 November 2026.
The CPS authorised the new counts after reviewing evidence collected by police, describing them as “non-recent offences”. The new charges will be heard separately from the existing trial but form part of the overall criminal proceedings against Partey.
Partey is required to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 13 March 2026, in relation to the new allegations. This will mark the first hearing for the additional charges, where procedural matters including bail conditions will be addressed.
Under his current bail terms, Partey must notify police before travelling abroad and must not contact any of the alleged victims. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, he continues to play professional football for Villarreal in Spain.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that all the allegations are being investigated thoroughly, and they emphasised that Partey remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The CPS said the decision to bring additional charges was based on new evidence obtained during their review.
Lawyers for Partey have not publicly commented on the new charges but have consistently maintained his denial of all previous allegations. Legal experts note that the additional counts could affect the trial timeline and may require separate hearings to manage both the original and new charges.
The football community has followed the case closely since the first charges were filed, with reactions ranging from concern over legal proceedings to calls for due process. Partey’s former club, Arsenal, has previously stated it would not comment on ongoing legal matters.
The case has also drawn attention to wider discussions about sexual assault allegations involving high-profile sports figures. Observers have emphasised the importance of fair trial rights and ensuring that victims are able to present their cases safely and confidentially.
As the trial dates approach, all parties, including the CPS and defence teams, are preparing for what is expected to be a lengthy and complex legal process, with multiple hearings and testimonies anticipated over the coming months.
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FELIX MAKONA
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