Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to UK police on Friday.
Partey, whose contract with Premier League side Arsenal ended on Monday, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on August 5.
The 32-year-old footballer faces charges filed by three women in connection with alleged incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2022.
According to British police, the investigation has been ongoing since February 2022.
“Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward,” said Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of London’s Metropolitan Police. “We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team.”
Partey’s laywer, Jenny Wiltshire, said her client “denies all charges against him” and had “cooperated fully” with police.
“He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” she added.
“Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk”
Mr Partey, of Hertfordshire, is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 August.
Thomas Partey signed for Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 in a £45.3 million deal. Last season, he featured in 35 Premier League matches, scoring four goals, as the London club secured a second-place finish
He also played 12 matches in the Champions League, helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
In total, Partey made 130 Premier League appearances under manager Mikel Arteta, scoring nine goals.
On the international stage, he has earned over 50 caps for Ghana and most recently appeared in World Cup qualifiers in March.