Former Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England, following a two-year police investigation.
The 32-year-old, who could not previously be named due to legal restrictions, has been under investigation by the Metropolitan Police since February 2022.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 and involve three different women.
Partey continued to play for Arsenal while the investigation remained ongoing, but his contract with the Premier League club expired on June 30 and was not renewed.
The midfielder is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.
The CPS confirmed it had authorised the charges after reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence submitted by the police.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape,” said Jaswant Narwal of the CPS.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.”
Narwal added that the case is now active and emphasised the importance of ensuring the right to a fair trial.
“It is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team led the investigation, said the police remain committed to supporting the complainants who came forward.
