Former Arsenal man Partey charged with rape

Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), according to local media reports.

Reports, including those in 'Sky Sports', suggest the charges of rape and sexual assault, brought by three women, relate to alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022.

Jaswant Narwal, from the prosecution service, asserted that the charges against Partey were authorised following a "careful review of the evidence gathered".

"Our officers have collaborated with the Metropolitan Police officers who conducted the investigation to review the evidence and take appropriate action. We remind everyone that while criminal proceedings are active, the accused has the right to a fair trial. We understand this case will generate significant public interest, but it is absolutely vital that there are no reports or comments that could prejudice these proceedings," she added.

Partey, 32, joined Arsenal in 2020 from Spain's Atlético Madrid for a fee of €50 million and has been a regular in the team. The investigation has been ongoing for the past two and a half years, and the indictment was made public three days after Partey concluded his contractual relationship with Arsenal on 1 July.

The 'Gunners' were in discussions with the African player regarding a possible renewal, but no agreement was reached. In 2022, British newspaper 'The Telegraph' reported that a Premier League footballer was under investigation for sexual offences, but British law stipulates that until a formal charge is made, the suspect cannot be named in the media. Thomas Partey is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5.