Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with rape by the Metropolitan Police Service.
Ghana international Partey, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
"The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives," read a statement, released by the Metropolitan Police on Friday.
The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021-2022.
The charges involve three women with two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape in connection to a second woman and one count of sexual assault linked to a third woman.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team 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 [email protected]”
Jaswant Narwal, who is the Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
“We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 5 August.
Partey's contract with Arsenal ended on Monday 30 June following a five-year spell with the Premier League side.
The midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a reported £45.3 million, made 167 appearances for the North London club. He featured for Mikel Arteta's side on 35 occasions in the league last season and scored four goals as they finished second.
Topics: Thomas Partey, Arsenal, Football, Premier League
Jack Kenmare