Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey is facing renewed legal scrutiny in the United Kingdom after British Metropolitan Police confirmed two additional counts of rape against the Villarreal midfielder. The latest charges add to an already serious and ongoing case that has continued to cast a long shadow over the 32-year-old’s career.
According to police confirmation and reports by Spanish outlet Diario AS, the new charges are linked to a separate complaint dating back to 2020 and involve a third alleged victim. This development expands the scope of the investigation beyond the earlier case that first became public last year.
Partey had already been charged in August 2025 with five counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault involving two alleged victims. He has pleaded not guilty to all existing charges and continues to deny wrongdoing. The new allegations mean he now faces a total of seven rape charges alongside the two sexual assault counts.
Court Appearance Expected
The former Arsenal midfielder is expected to appear before a London court on Friday, March 13, where he will formally enter a plea to the two new rape charges. He remains out on bail under strict conditions tied to the original case, which is still proceeding through the UK legal system.
Authorities have not disclosed detailed information about the alleged offences, citing legal and privacy considerations, but confirmed that the additional charges followed further investigation into a separate complaint.
Career Shift Amid Legal Cloud
Partey left London last summer after his legal situation became widely known, joining Spanish side Villarreal on a two-year contract as a free agent. His departure marked the end of a high-profile spell in the Premier League, where he had been a key figure for Arsenal and one of Ghana’s most recognisable football exports.
At the time of his signing, Villarreal publicly defended their decision to bring him in, stressing the legal principle of presumption of innocence and noting that the case had not yet been decided by the courts. The club faced criticism from sections of its fanbase and human rights advocates but stood by its position.
So far, Villarreal has not issued a public statement in response to the newly announced charges.
Struggles on the Pitch
Away from the courtroom, Partey’s return to Spanish football has been far from smooth. Once known for his commanding presence in midfield, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Villarreal.
This season, Partey has made 21 appearances across competitions, accumulating 1,068 minutes of playing time. However, he has started only 12 matches and completed a full 90 minutes on just three occasions, raising questions about his form, fitness, and suitability for the team’s tempo.
Following Villarreal’s recent 3–0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, head coach Marcelino García Toral acknowledged the challenges, noting that it has been “very difficult to play” at Partey’s pace. The comment was widely interpreted as a sign of diminishing trust in the midfielder’s role within the squad.
Reputation Under Pressure
The combination of ongoing legal proceedings and inconsistent performances has placed Partey’s career at a critical crossroads. Once regarded as one of Africa’s top midfielders, his professional legacy is now increasingly defined by events off the pitch rather than his footballing achievements.
For Villarreal, the situation has also attracted international attention, with critics arguing that the club’s image and commercial reputation could be affected as the case develops. Supporters remain divided, with some urging patience until the legal process concludes, while others have called for stronger ethical standards.
What Comes Next
As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on the London court proceedings in March, which could significantly shape the next phase of Partey’s career. Until then, he remains eligible to play under Spanish football regulations, subject to club decisions and bail conditions.
Police and legal authorities have reiterated that the charges are allegations and that Partey is entitled to a fair trial. Nonetheless, the expanding scope of the case underscores the seriousness of the situation and its potential consequences for both the player and his club.
Further updates are expected as the legal process unfolds.
Source: Africa Publicity
