Spanish La Liga side Villarreal CF has broken its silence after announcing Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey as its new player.
Thomas Partey signed a two-year contract with Villarreal CF.
Villarreal, in a statement announcing Thomas Partey, acknowledged their new player’s legal proceedings in England.
The Spanish club, in their statement, stated Partey is innocent until proven guilty.
According to them, Thomas Partey has maintained his innocence and denies all charges against him.
Villarreal’s statement read, “The club is also 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 ongoing proceedings, the club is unable to comment further”.
“Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals”, the club stated in a statement.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey was granted bail after appearing in court on rape charges.
Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police Service.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives.
“The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32 (13/06/1992), of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape, one count of sexual assault.”
Reports suggest the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey was granted bail after appearing in Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, August 5, 2025, on the rape charges.
His bail condition includes, Partey is not allowed to contact any of the women involved in the case. He must notify the police of any address changes.
Partey must also notify the police of his international travels, and must turn up to the next court appearance at the Old Bailey in September.
Also, an alleged victim, speaking to British media outlet The Athletic, stated, “I would frequently get messages from fans. They’d send me pictures of him playing or scoring.
I would get death threats, rape threats, people saying they’d set me on fire. If he scored, for example, the abuse would be worse,” she stated.
Furthermore, Jenny Wiltshire, one of the UK’s most respected criminal defence solicitors, is representing Thomas Partey in his rape trial, which began today, August 5 2025.
Jenny Wiltshire, earlier in a statement, revealed Partey denied all the charges levelled against him.
She stated, “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”.
The lawyer further added that Thomas will not be making any further public comments while the legal process is ongoing.
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor, confirmed the charges, saying, “Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges”.
“Criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” Narwal warned.
See the statement below:
