Morocco star Hakimi to stand trial after rape charge upheld
French judicial authorities have confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial over rape allegations dating back to 2023.
The Versailles appeals court rejected the player’s final bid to have the case dismissed, ruling there is sufficient evidence for a criminal trial in the Hauts-de-Seine region.
The 26-year-old, currently captaining Morocco at the World Cup, was accused by a young woman of sexual assault at his Paris-area home on February 25, 2023. Despite inconsistencies in the plaintiff’s timeline, the investigating judge noted her account remained “constant and coherent” regarding the nature of the alleged acts.
Hakimi, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, took to social media Friday to express frustration. “Justice looked me in the eye and told me: “If you were not famous, there would never have been a case,” he wrote, adding: “I have been waiting for this trial since the first day. Finally, I will be able to speak.”
The plaintiff’s lawyer hailed the decision as a victory for survivors, saying her client feels “relief and hope” after more than three years of legal proceedings.
The defense attorney of Hakimi expressed disappointment, arguing that exculpatory evidence should have led to dismissal, and pointed to contradictions in the complainant’s statements.
