In a dramatic hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Arsenal and Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has formally entered a plea of not guilty to serious sexual offence charges.
The 31-year-old midfielder stands accused of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, allegations he vehemently denies. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the football world, was heard before Mr Justice Wall at the Old Bailey.
The court proceedings revealed that Partey faces three separate charges:
- One count of rape
- Two counts of sexual assault
During the brief hearing, Partey, dressed in a dark suit, spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his not guilty pleas. The allegations are understood to relate to an incident that allegedly occurred in London.
The judicial timeline has been set, with a provisional trial date scheduled for 7th June 2026. However, the court indicated that this date may be subject to change as proceedings develop. The estimated length of the trial is projected to be between five and seven days.
Given the seriousness of the charges, Partey was released on conditional bail until a further case management hearing. The conditions of his bail were not disclosed in open court.
The case has attracted significant media attention, not only due to Partey's high profile as a Premier League footballer but also because of the gravity of the allegations. His club, Arsenal, has been monitoring the situation closely as the legal process unfolds.
This development comes at a critical time in Partey's career, as he remains an active player for both his club and the Ghana national team. The football community and supporters worldwide await further developments in this case with keen interest.
