Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey’s court appearance on rape and sexual assault charges has been postponed to September 15, allowing him to focus on international duty with the Black Stars.
The 32-year-old was initially due at the Old Bailey on September 2, but the case has now been moved to Southwark Crown Court. Partey faces five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, with the alleged offences said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 while he was at Arsenal.
He was formally charged just four days after leaving the Premier League club in June following the expiry of his contract.
The adjournment eases uncertainty over his participation in Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers. The Ghana Football Association insists Partey is “in the right frame of mind and in top shape” after naming him in the 24-man squad.
Partey has already linked up with the national team as they depart for N’Djamena ahead of Thursday’s clash against Chad. The match will be played at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno, with Ghana leading Group I as they continue their push for a fifth World Cup appearance.
The Black Stars will also face Mali in the current round of qualifiers, with Partey expected to play a central role despite the legal proceedings looming in the background.
