Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial before a French criminal court over a rape charge. The news comes just as the fullback prepares with his national squad ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter against Scotland on Friday.
The legal proceedings follow an incident from February 2023, when a young woman reported a sexual assault at the player’s home in Boulogne-Billancourt. Following a three-year investigation, the prosecution’s request for a trial was upheld by an appeals court. Judicial authorities in Hauts-de-Seine ruled that the inquiry produced sufficient evidence against the 27-year-old to advance the matter to a full criminal trial.
Reacting via a social media post quoted by Goal.com, Morocco skipper Hakimi stated: “The court looked me in the eye and said: ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case.’ I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that remaining dignified, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.”
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target. I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak,” the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star said in the statement.
‘Decision has brought client relief,’ says the civil party’s attorney
The court’s verdict was welcomed by the complainant’s legal counsel, who called it a logical step towards justice that offers reassurance to survivors within professional sports.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the civil party’s attorney, 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,” Pardo added.
(With ANI inputs)
