Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey’s scheduled court hearing at the Old Bailey has been adjourned without explanation.
The Ghanaian international, now playing for Spanish side Villarreal, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Partey, 32, is accused of two counts of rape against one woman, three counts against another, and a separate sexual assault involving a third woman.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022. He denies all charges.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the first complaint was filed in February 2022.
Partey previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail on condition that he have no contact with the complainants.
The rape case has now been postponed or rescheduled for September 17, 2025, at Southwark Crown Court—just one day after Villarreal meet Tottenham Hotspur in a Champions League fixture in London.
Partey’s transfer to Villarreal in early August has drawn widespread criticism amid his ongoing trial.
A petition opposing the signing gained traction among fans, and the midfielder was booed on his debut against Real Oviedo.
Despite the backlash, he has already featured in three La Liga matches for the club.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig defended the club’s decision, emphasising the presumption of innocence.
“The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him,” Roig said. “At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.”
Roig condemned all forms of violence but insisted the club would not yield to outside pressure, urging supporters to stand behind the team while the courts handle the matter.
Meanwhile, Partey is also expected to join Ghana’s squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad on September 4 and Mali on September 8, 2025.
