Morocco Captain Hakimi To Stand Trial in France Over Rape Allegation

Morocco Captain Hakimi To Stand Trial in France Over Rape Allegation

By BSN Sports 

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France after judicial authorities ordered legal proceedings to continue in connection with a rape allegation dating back to 2023, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

French prosecutors confirmed that the Paris Saint-Germain defender will face trial following an investigation launched after a 24-year-old woman accused him of rape at his residence in the Paris area. The complaint prompted the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office to open a preliminary investigation in March 2023.

According to reports in French media, an investigating judge ordered the case to proceed to trial in February 2026. Hakimi subsequently appealed the decision, but the appeal was unsuccessful.

The 27-year-old footballer has consistently denied the allegation and has maintained his innocence throughout the legal process.

In a statement posted on social media, Hakimi said he had remained silent for several years out of respect for the judicial process.

“I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made,” he wrote.

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

The complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the decision to move the case forward, describing it as an important step for her client.

“After more than three years of legal proceedings, this decision brings her relief and hope,” Pardo said in a statement.

“Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial.”

No date has yet been announced for the commencement of proceedings.

The legal developments come while Hakimi is representing Morocco at the FIFA World Cup in the United States. He captained the Atlas Lions during their group-stage campaign and remains a key figure in the national team setup.

Should Morocco advance to the knockout rounds, questions have emerged regarding potential travel implications if matches are scheduled in Canada or Mexico, the tournament’s co-host nations. However, no official decision regarding Hakimi’s eligibility to enter either country has been announced.

One of Africa’s most accomplished defenders, Hakimi has earned nearly 100 international caps since making his senior debut for Morocco in 2016 at the age of 17. He played a pivotal role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making them the first African nation to reach the last four of the competition.

At club level, Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 and has established himself as one of the leading full-backs in world football, winning multiple domestic and international honours with the French champions.

The upcoming trial will determine the next stage of a case that has attracted significant attention both within football and beyond, with Hakimi continuing to deny all allegations against him.