Morrocco Captain to stand trial over rape allegation in France

Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France over a rape allegation after the Versailles Court of Appeal rejected an appeal filed by his legal team.

The ruling clears the way for the 27-year-old to face a criminal trial before a court in the Hauts-de-Seine department following a judicial investigation that lasted more than three years.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a young woman, who told French police that Hakimi sexually assaulted and raped her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt in February 2023 after the pair met on Instagram.

French prosecutors had recommended that the case proceed to trial. An investigating judge ordered the trial in February 2026, prompting Hakimi’s lawyers to challenge the decision.

However, the Versailles Court of Appeal rejected the appeal on June 19, confirming that the case should proceed to a full criminal hearing.

Lawyers representing the complainant welcomed the decision.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, counsel for the civil party, said: “The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for having committed rape.

“This decision is perfectly consistent with the evidence in the case and in line with the opinions of the public prosecutor, the investigating judge, and the advocate general at the Court of Appeal.

“This decision brings my client relief and hope.

“The hope that this trial will help other women and further erode the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even within the world of men’s football.”

Hakimi has consistently denied the allegation since it emerged.

His legal team criticised the decision to proceed with a trial, insisting that evidence uncovered during the investigation supports the player’s innocence.

His lawyer said: “The multitude of exculpatory elements revealed by the investigation and the judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to a dismissal.

“Mr. Achraf Hakimi is now eagerly awaiting his trial so that he can finally speak publicly about the false accusation against him.”

Hakimi also maintained his innocence in a statement shared on social media platform X, saying he had been “waiting for this trial since day one” so he could publicly address the allegation and allow the truth to emerge.

No date has been fixed for the trial.

The ruling was delivered while Hakimi is captaining Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reports indicate that if Morocco progress further in the tournament, the defender could face travel complications in some host countries, although no restrictions have been formally announced.

Hakimi remains available for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team pending the outcome of the trial.