Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian footballer faces five counts of rape involving two women, and an additional charge of sexual assault against a third woman. Prosecutors told the court that one of the alleged incidents occurred while Partey was on holiday in Spain, and another took place at his residence in February 2022.

Partey, who stood in court with his arms behind his back, showed no visible reaction as the allegations were read out. His legal representative, Emma Fenn, did not oppose the prosecution’s request to transfer all six charges to the Crown Court.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, presiding over the case, acknowledged reports of Partey’s move to Spanish club Villarreal, stating: “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.”

Addressing Partey directly, Goldspring said: “You face six charges, of which five must be heard in the Crown Court. The sixth charge can be sent if it is a related offence. Therefore, all six charges will be sent to the Crown Court at the Old Bailey.”

He granted the footballer conditional bail, outlining strict terms. Partey must not contact any of the complainants and must notify police if he changes address, stays elsewhere for more than 14 consecutive days, or intends to travel abroad.

“If you breach any of these conditions you will be arrested, you will come back before me, and you will almost certainly be remanded in custody,” Goldspring warned.

The Metropolitan Police said it received the initial report of a rape allegation in February 2022. Charges were formally brought against Partey just four days after his departure from Arsenal in June, following the expiration of his contract.

Prosecutors confirmed the charges relate to two counts of r@pe involving one woman, three counts involving another, and one count of sexual assault against a third woman.

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and played 35 games during the club’s 2024/25 season, which saw them finish second in the Premier League and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

His legal team has previously stated that he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

Partey is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2.