Thomas Partey’s rape court hearing adjourned

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey’s scheduled hearing at the Old Bailey has been adjourned without explanation, prolonging legal proceedings in a high-profile case that continues to attract international attention.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian international, now with Spanish side Villarreal, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the charges involve rape allegations made by three women, relating to incidents said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.

Partey has denied all allegations.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that the first complaint was lodged in February 2022.

Partey previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail on the condition that he does not contact any of the complainants.

The adjourned hearing is now set for September 17 at Southwark Crown Court—a day after Villarreal face Tottenham Hotspur in a Champions League group stage clash in London.

Partey’s transfer to Villarreal earlier this month drew significant criticism due to the ongoing case.

A section of supporters launched a petition opposing his signing, while he was booed during his debut against Real Oviedo. Despite the controversy, he has already featured in three La Liga matches for the club.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig defended the decision to sign the midfielder, stressing the principle of presumption of innocence.

“The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him,” Roig stated. “At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.”

Despite the legal cloud, Partey remains in contention for international duty.

He is expected to feature for Ghana in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad on September 4 and Mali on September 8.