Hakimi to Face Trial in Rape Case
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Moroccan captain and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over allegations of rape, French prosecutors have confirmed.
The 27-year-old defender is accused of raping a 24-year-old woman at his home in Paris in 2023. Prosecutors in Nanterre, a western suburb of Paris, opened a preliminary investigation in March 2023. In February this year, an investigating judge ordered the case to proceed to trial.
According to French media reports, Hakimi’s request to have the case dismissed was rejected. However, a trial date has not yet been set.
Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations. In a lengthy statement posted on social media Friday, he said: “The justice system looked me in the eye and said—this case would never exist if you were not famous. I remained silent for years, believing that patience and trust in the justice system would lead to the right outcome. Today, my family, my life, and the truth are being replaced by a story that is not mine. I have been waiting for this trial from day one. Now I will finally have the chance to tell the truth.”
The complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the decision brought relief and hope to her client after more than three years of legal proceedings.
“Justice has listened to her and given her the right to a trial. This trial will give courage to other women and challenge the culture of denial and impunity around sexual violence, including in the world of football,” she said.
Hakimi’s World Cup participation could also be affected depending on venue restrictions. Morocco’s group-stage matches are being played in the United States, where the team is currently based. However, if they advance to the knockout stage and matches are held in Canada or Mexico, his ability to enter those countries could become an issue.
Canadian law allows authorities to deny entry to individuals accused or convicted of crimes.
Earlier, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also denied entry into Canada for similar reasons and missed his team’s opening match against Panama. The former Arsenal midfielder is also set to face trial in the UK next year over rape and sexual assault allegations involving four women.
