French Court Orders Achraf Hakimi To Stand Trial Over Alleged Rape Case

Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France over an alleged rape incident dating back to 2023.

French prosecutors confirmed that an investigating judge in Nanterre, on the outskirts of Paris, ordered the footballer to face trial following a lengthy investigation that began after a woman filed a complaint accusing him of rape at his residence in March 2023.

Hakimi, 27, has repeatedly denied the allegation and has maintained his innocence throughout the legal process. According to French media reports, the defender challenged efforts to move the case to trial but was unsuccessful.

Reacting to the decision, Hakimi said he had always trusted the judicial process and welcomed the opportunity to finally present his version of events in court.

“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak,” he wrote on social media.

The Moroccan international also expressed frustration over the impact of the allegations on his personal life and family, insisting that the accusations do not reflect the truth.

Lawyer to the complainant, Rachel-Flore Pardo, described the court’s decision as an important development, saying it offers her client the opportunity to have the matter fully heard during a public trial.

“After more than three years of legal proceedings, this decision brings her relief and hope,” Pardo said, adding that the ruling could encourage other victims of sexual violence to seek justice.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Hakimi’s profile as one of Africa’s most prominent footballers. The defender was recently crowned African Footballer of the Year and remains a key figure for both club and country.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Hakimi continues to feature for Morocco and is expected to captain the national team during the World Cup. However, the case has sparked discussions about potential travel complications for players facing legal proceedings during international tournaments.

Hakimi has earned nearly 100 appearances for Morocco since making his senior debut in 2016 and was instrumental in the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

At club level, he joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 and has won multiple domestic and European honours during his time in France.