Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey granted conditional bail on rape charges

Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey was granted conditional bail on Tuesday after appearing in a London court on rape and sexual assault charges.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian national appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, charged with five counts of rape against two women, and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022.

The conditions of Partey's bail include that he cannot contact any of the women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.

Partey is a free agent after his contract at Arsenal expired at the end of June. He is reportedly set to join Spanish club Villarreal.

"I understand he's no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now," Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told the court as bail conditions were discussed.

Partey arrived at court wearing a dark zip-up jumper and carrying a suit jacket. In court, he stood with his arms behind his back in the dock.

His lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said Partey "denies all the charges against him" and that he welcomed "the opportunity to finally clear his name".

Police said their investigation into Partey was opened in February 2022 when they first received a report of rape. He was charged on 4 July — days after his Arsenal contract expired.

Partey is due to appear at London's Old Bailey court on 2 September.

He joined Arsenal in 2020 for £45.3 million (€52.1 million) from Spanish club Atletico Madrid. He won the Spanish title and the Europa League during his time at Atletico and was part of an Arsenal team that finished runner-up in each of the last three Premier League seasons. Partey has also played 51 games for Ghana in his career.

A spokesperson for Arsenal previously said: "The player's contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case."