Thomas Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder, has been charged with five counts of rape.
He just became a free agent this week after his contract with the Gunners ran out.
The timing of the charge is considered very interesting.
Partey has also been charged with one count of sexual assault.
Two of the counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts relate to a second woman, and the one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman.
The incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 5 August.
Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on his X:
“Thomas Partey, officially charged with rape 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.”
According to him, the offences were alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
It is unclear why the charge was delayed till three years later.