Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two additional rape charges, as his high-profile legal battle in the United Kingdom continues to unfold.
The 32-year-old Ghana international appeared before Southwark Crown Court on Monday, April 13, where he denied allegations that he raped a woman twice in London in December 2020.
The new charges add to an already serious case against the midfielder, who had earlier been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to incidents between 2021 and 2022. Partey has consistently denied all allegations.
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During proceedings, Judge Tony Baumgartner, Recorder of Westminster, ruled that all charges will be consolidated into a single trial. However, he cautioned that the expanded scope of the case could push the trial date from November this year to as late as January next year.
In total, Thomas Partey now faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four different women.
His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, reiterated his stance, stating that Partey “continues to deny all charges” and has cooperated fully with investigators. Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, she declined further comment.
The midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in a £45 million move in 2020, left the club last summer to join Villarreal CF.
Partey remains on bail under strict conditions, including a prohibition on contacting any of the alleged victims.
The court also heard that Mr Justice Bennathan is expected to preside over the trial. The case is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial hearing on May 14, where a final trial date is expected to be determined.
Despite the ongoing case, Partey is still expected to be part of Ghana’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, where they are set to face England.