Morocco captain and PSG star Achraf Hakimi will face trial for rape
Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial on rape charges after a French appeals court rejected his appeal against a previous court ruling, according to lawyers involved in the case.
The Court of Appeal in Versailles upheld the investigating judge’s decision in February to refer the case to the criminal court, opening the way for a future trial. No exam date has been announced yet.
Hakimi challenged the earlier ruling, which followed recommendations from French prosecutors that he should face trial. The court’s decision was confirmed on Friday, just hours before Morocco’s World Cup Group C match against Scotland.
The 27-year-old defender, regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, has since consistently denied any wrongdoing. the allegations first surfaced in 2023.
2023 CLAIM
French authorities launched an investigation after a 24-year-old woman claimed she was raped by Hakimi at his home in a Paris suburb in February 2023.
Nanterre Public Prosecutor’s Office subsequently opened a formal investigation which led to preliminary charges against the footballer in March 2023.
Hakimi denied the allegations during the trial.
HAKIMI BREAKS THE SILENCE
Following the court’s decision, Hakimi posted a lengthy statement on social media platform X, claiming his celebrity status played a role in the case’s progress.
“Today a story is being told that is not mine, at the expense of my family, my life and above all the truth. Sometimes I feel like I have become an easy target,” he wrote. Achraf Hakimi’s statement on X regarding the rape trial. (Image: X/@AchrafHakimi)
Hakimi said he remained silent for years because he trusts the judicial process and now welcomes the opportunity to present his side of the story in court.
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. I’ll finally be able to speak,” he said.
LAWYERS ANSWER
Rachel-Flore Pardo, a lawyer representing the complainant, welcomed the appeal court decision, saying it offered her client “relief and hope” after more than three years of legal proceedings.
According to Pardo, the ruling means the complainant’s case will now be heard in court, where evidence from both sides can be examined.
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, criticized the decision, arguing that the investigation revealed a number of elements supporting her client’s innocence.
She claimed that inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements and other findings during the investigation should have led to the dismissal of the case.
IMPACT ON CAREER
The court ruling comes at a busy time for Hakimi, who recently helped Paris Saint-Germain win a second consecutive UEFA Champions League title and currently represents Morocco at the World Cup.
It remains unclear whether the defender’s legal situation will affect his participation in Morocco’s upcoming matches. Neither PSG nor the Moroccan Football Federation have commented publicly on the latest development.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
19 Jun 2026 20:32 IST