Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has refuted allegations of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third.

The Ghanaian footballer entered a not guilty plea to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault during his appearance at Southwark Crown Court.

The incidents are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, when the 32-year-old was active in the Premier League. He faced charges four days after his departure from the north London team, following the conclusion of his contract at the end of June.

Mr. Partey was released on bail until his trial, which is scheduled to commence at the same court on November 2 of next year.

During the proceedings, he confirmed his identity before pleading not guilty to all allegations against him.

Now playing for Spanish club Villarreal, the midfielder was already in England as his team faced Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday, where he came off the bench in a match that ended with a 1-0 defeat for his side.

The terms of his bail allow Mr. Partey to continue playing football; however, he is required to inform the police of any international travel 24 hours beforehand and is prohibited from contacting the alleged victims.