Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged by the Metropolitan Police with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges after reviewing evidence submitted by detectives.
The 32-year-old footballer from Hertfordshire faces allegations involving three different women. The Met issued the charges following an extensive investigation that has been ongoing for more than two years.
The alleged offences are reported to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. Partey denies all charges, with a lawyer also saying he 'welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name'.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged by the Metropolitan Police with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault
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Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5 to face the charges.
The charges against Partey comprise two counts of rape relating to one woman and three counts of rape relating to a second woman. A third woman is the alleged victim of one count of sexual assault.
The Metropolitan Police investigation began in February 2022 after officers first received a report of rape.
Detectives have been building their case for over two years before the Crown Prosecution Service gave authorisation to proceed with charges.
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"The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives," said the Met's statement.
"The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32 (13/06/1992), of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape. One count of sexual assault.
"The charges are broken down as follows: Two counts of rape relate to one woman. Three counts of rape relate to a second woman. One count of sexual assault relates to a third woman.
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Thomas Partey recently left Arsenal after his contract expired
Getty"The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 – 2022.
"The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape."
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who leads the investigation team, said: "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward."
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He added: "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."
Partey started his career at Atletico Madrid.
After loan spells with Mallorca and Almeira, the midfielder established himself as a key player for Diego Simeone's side.
Partey made 188 appearances for the Spanish team, scoring 16 goals and winning trophies such as LaLiga, the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.
Thomas Partey spent five years at Arsenal before his contract expired
PAIn 2020, Arsenal signed Partey from Atletico.
He made 167 appearances for the Gunners during his five years in north London, scoring nine goals.
Partey has also featured 53 times for Ghana.
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