Thomas Partey allegations, explained: What to know about rape case against Ghana soccer player
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Thomas Partey allegations, explained: What to know about rape case against Ghana soccer player originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
England face Ghana in World Cup Group L on Tuesday after both teams won their opening match.
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Thomas Tuchel's side won a rollercoaster clash against Croatia 4-2 in Dallas, while Caleb Yirenkyi's 95th-minute strike snatched a 1-0 victory for the Black Stars over Panama.
But all eyes will be on the team sheets when the sides meet at the Gillette Stadium.
Thomas Partey is Ghana's star midfielder but did not feature against Panama as a result of serious allegations brought against him.
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Thomas Partey allegations, explained:
Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in early July 2025. The allegations stem from separate women who reported attacks between 2021 and 2022.
At the time, Partey was playing for Arsenal in England's Premier League. The charges were brought by the Metropolitan Police following an investigation that began in February 2022 after officers received a report of a rape.
At an initial hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5, 2025, Partey was granted conditional bail. In February 2026, it was announced that the 33-year-old had been charged with two additional rape allegations dating back to December 2020.
Partey denies the charges, and his lawyer said he "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name" after he was initially charged.
Partey was due to face trial at Southwark Crown Court in November, but the trial — due to last up to eight weeks — will now start on June 8, 2027. The next hearing in his case is set for October 2.
Why Thomas Partey missed Ghana's first World Cup game
Ghana's match against Panama took place in Toronto, with Canada one of three co-hosts.
Partey was denied entry to Canada after failing to disclose the allegations against him and pending trial in the UK, as is required under the country's immigration laws.
An appeal against the decision by the Ghanaian government was rejected at a federal court in Ottawa.
Will Thomas Partey play vs. England?
Partey is available to play against England in Boston after he was granted entry to the United States for the World Cup.
In a statement, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said: "The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey.
"However, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa."
Speaking about his absence from the Canada match, Partey said: "It's part of football. Things happen outside football that you cannot control. For me now, I feel okay and ready to play."
When did Thomas Partey leave Arsenal?
Thomas Partey left Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June 2025. He joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in a £45million transfer on October 5, 2020. Partey played 167 times for Arsenal across all competitions and scored nine goals.
What club team does Thomas Partey play for?
Partey joined Spanish La Liga club Villarreal on a free transfer on August 7, 2025.
In a statement issued when Partey signed, Villarreal said: "The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him.
"The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case."