Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is accused of at least eight rapes at his £6m mansion and a luxury Spanish hotel, a court heard as he faced the charges for the first time.
The 32-year-old Ghana international faces five charges of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC told the court Partey is accused of attacks between April 2021 to June 2022, when Partey was an Arsenal player.
He faces four rape charges involving a single alleged attack, and one “multiple incident” charge involving “at least four occasions”, the court heard.
Ms Ledward said a third woman claims Partey “sexually assaulted her by lying on top of her, trying to kiss her, and touching her, all over clothing”.
Partey’s Arsenal contract expired this summer, and he is now on the cusp of signing a new deal with Villarreal in Spain.
The footballer arrived at court just after 9am on Tuesday morning, ahead of a court hearing in front of the Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring.
In the dock, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, and did not enter pleas to any of the charges.
The judge sent the case to the Old Bailey for a hearing on September 2.
Partey was set free on bail, with conditions that he does not contact the alleged victims, notifies police three days in advance if he is moving home, telling police officers if he is staying at a different address for more than two weeks, and giving 24 hours notice of any international travel.
Four of the rape charges and the sexual assault allegation against Partey are said to have happened at the home in Arkley, Hertfordshire, where he used to live.
The fifth rape charge relates to an alleged incident at the five-star NOBU hotel in Marbella in summer 2022, during the Premier League off-season.
The footballer, who currently lives in Potters Bar, was dressed in black as he arrived at the courthouse, walking straight to the front of the queue of people waiting to get into the building.
When the charges were announced, Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
“We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he “denies all the charges against him”, adding he welcomed “the opportunity to finally clear his name”.
The Met said its investigation has spanned more than three years, starting with a first report of rape in February 2022.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk”.
Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 in a £45 million deal, having enjoyed European success with Atletico Madrid.
Earlier this year, he was awarded Ghana footballer of the year for the third time, after a final season with the Gunners in which he made 52 appearances.
