Morocco Captain Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial in France Over 2023 Rape Allegation
By TUW
Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France over an alleged rape case dating back to 2023 after a French appeals court rejected his request to dismiss the proceedings.
The ruling was issued while the 27-year-old defender is representing Morocco at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States. However, no date has yet been set for the trial.
According to reports, the case stems from allegations made by a 24-year-old woman in February 2023, who accused Hakimi of raping her at his home near Paris. French authorities later opened an investigation and placed the player under judicial supervision.
Hakimi has consistently denied the accusations and welcomed the opportunity to defend himself in court. In a statement, the Moroccan international said he had been waiting for a trial from the beginning and looked forward to finally presenting his version of events.
“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life and above all, the truth,” Hakimi said, adding that he is eager to speak publicly during the trial.
The Versailles appeals court’s decision clears the way for the case to proceed to a criminal court, although the date of the hearing has not yet been announced.
Hakimi, one of Morocco’s key players, is currently with the national team at the FIFA World Cup in the United States. Neither Paris Saint-Germain nor the Moroccan Football Federation immediately commented on the latest development.
The player remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
