Sports
Hakimi to Stand Trial Over Rape Allegation, French Court Rules
A French appeals court on Friday ruled that Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over an alleged rape case dating back to 2023, despite the Paris Saint-Germain defender's continued denial of any wrongdoing.
The case stems from a complaint filed in February 2023 by a 24-year-old woman, who accused Hakimi of raping her at his home in the Paris region.
Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and captains Morocco's national team, has consistently maintained his innocence. The ruling comes as the 27-year-old prepares for Morocco's second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Scotland.
Reacting to the decision by the Versailles Court of Appeal, Hakimi said he welcomed the opportunity to present his case in court.
"I've been waiting for this trial since day one," he wrote on X. "At last, I'll be able to speak."
A trial date has not yet been set by the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department.
Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the court's decision was anticipated and stressed that it should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.
"This confirmation was expected. Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything; he remains steadfast in his defence," she said.
The complainant's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the ruling brought her client "relief and hope."
According to the woman's account, she first connected with Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 before travelling to his home in a taxi allegedly arranged by the footballer. She claims Hakimi kissed and touched her without consent before raping her.
The woman said she managed to push him away and sent a message to a friend, who later came to collect her.
In an interview published by Mediapart on Thursday, the woman, identified under the pseudonym "Jeanne," spoke publicly about the case for the first time.
"I want to defend myself, to be heard," she said. "I want to explain myself. I want people to believe me."
The trial will determine whether the allegations against Hakimi can be proven in court.This version is tighter, more neutral, and follows a professional news-reporting style while preserving the presumption of innocence.
