Thomas Partey rape scandal: Arsenal, the FA and PL were ‘quietly’ informed months before his arrest

Allegations against Thomas Partey first reached Arsenal, the Football Association and even the Premier League as early as September 2021.

 This is according to The Telegraph, who reports that the concerns involved unnamed complaints, but were serious enough to warrant passing them up the football hierarchy.

However, no formal investigation was launched. 

The FA reportedly concluded that the incidents “fell outside its safeguarding responsibility for adults and minors ‘at risk’ in the sport.” 

This surprising decision meant that neither Arsenal nor the authorities pursued the matter further, despite what The Telegraph describes as “definitive evidence” being available back then .

Fast forward to July 4, 2025, Scotland Yard charged Partey with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, stemming from alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022, affecting three different women.

The Crown Prosecution Service boss Jaswant Narwal confirmed that “a comprehensive file of evidence” was reviewed before the charges were authorised.

 Partey, who denies all charges, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.

Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, emphasised as per the Daily Mail:

“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three‑year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” 

Despite the July 2022 arrest, when Partey was not publicly named — the Ghanaian midfielder continued to feature for Arsenal, making over 50 appearances while on bail.

 His contract officially expired on June 30 2025, and the charges landed just five days later, an alignment that prompted social media speculation: “the timing wasn’t coincidental”.

Whispers around the Emirates suggested the club knew all along and kept it quiet.

The Premier League declined comment citing “live proceedings” and critics have slammed Arsenal’s loyalty. 

The Telegraph reports that thousands of letters from the club’s fanbase demanded action, only to be met with silence.

Allegations flagged months before arrest, yet no safeguarding or investigation occurred. 

Players continued playing, fans protested, and authorities stayed silent until the legal hammer fell. 

Now, with charges and a court date looming, it remains to be seen what Partey’s fate will be amid his free agency.