Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey and Trading Cards Controversy
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who has been accused of serious offenses including five rape charges, is set to be included in the upcoming set of Premier League trading cards, following the club’s approval of his inclusion. The trading cards, produced by Topps, a company known for creating collectibles, are scheduled for release next month.
Selection Criteria and Process
Earlier this year, Topps announced its partnership with the Premier League to create this set, which has garnered much anticipation among fans. In terms of selection criteria, Topps explained that players are chosen based on various objective measures, including:
- The amount of play time in the prior season
- Tenure at their club
- International representation
The selection process for the 2025-2026 trading card collection was completed in May, with all chosen players receiving clearance from their respective clubs.
Contract Negotiations and Legal Issues
Interestingly, Arsenal engaged in negotiations for a new contract with Partey just a month ago. However, those discussions did not culminate in a new agreement, leading to his eventual release from the club at the end of his previous deal. Just days after his departure, the Crown Prosecution Service charged him with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations he firmly denies. Partey is expected to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5 to address these charges.
Concerns and Reactions
Out of more than 60 players who entered free agency this summer, only four, including Partey, were chosen by their clubs for the trading card series. Despite knowing about the ongoing police investigation into the midfielder, Arsenal approved the list that included him. Once the final selections were sent to Topps, production began immediately, making it impossible to prevent the distribution of cards featuring Partey.
Questions have since emerged regarding both Arsenal’s and the Premier League’s stance on this matter, but they have yet to comment publicly.
As the release date approaches, there is growing concern and curiosity around how fans and consumers will respond to the inclusion of a player embroiled in such serious legal allegations on their trading cards.
