Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault just hours after playing in Villarreal's defeat to Tottenham in their Champions League opener. The former Arsenal midfielder is accused of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.

Two counts of rape relate to one woman, while the other three counts of rape are linked to a second woman and the single charge of sexual assault is linked to a third woman. A police investigation has been ongoing since 2022, with Partey denying all charges. Last month, he was granted conditional bail as he appeared in court for the first time.

Partey returned to court on Wednesday for a plea hearing, just hours after featuring for Villarreal in their narrow defeat to Tottenham. He is not prevented from playing football but must inform police of any international travel a day in advance.

The midfielder, appearing at Southwark Crown Court, pleaded not guilty to all six charges against him. His trial date has been set for November 2, 2026.

In a statement in July, when Partey was charged, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: "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. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."

Partey left Arsenal upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last season before joining Villarreal on a free transfer.

At the time of Partey being charged, a spokesperson for Arsenal said: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case."

Upon his arrival at Villarreal, the Spanish club released the following statement: "The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him.

"The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case.

"Due to the law in England in relation to the ongoing proceedings, the club is unable to comment further."