Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will face trial on charges of rape stemming from an alleged incident at his Paris home in 2023, French prosecutors have confirmed. An investigating judge in Nanterre has ordered the 27 year-old to stand trial following a preliminary investigation launched in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman filed a complaint accusing Hakimi of raping her.
Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations and says he is eager to clear his name in court. The player unsuccessfully appealed against the decision to proceed to trial, according to French media reports. In a strongly worded statement posted on social media on Friday, Hakimi expressed frustration over the case and what he described as unfair treatment linked to his fame.
“The justice system looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you weren’t famous, there would never have been a case,’” he wrote. “I chose to remain silent for years… Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth.” “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 added.
Hakimi is currently with the Morocco national team, which he will captain in their World Cup group-stage match against Scotland on Friday. The team’s matches are being played in the United States as part of the tournament hosted across North America.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, welcomed the trial order, describing it as a significant step after more than three years of proceedings. “After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud… this decision brings her relief and hope,” Pardo said. She added that the trial could help other women and challenge perceived impunity around sexual violence, including in men’s football.
The case highlights broader challenges for international players facing legal issues during the World Cup. Last week, Ghana’s Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada for his team’s opening match due to separate legal charges he faces in the UK. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial next year.
Hakimi, who has earned 97 caps for Morocco since debuting in 2016, was instrumental in the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. At club level, he has enjoyed significant success since joining PSG from Inter Milan in 2021, winning 13 trophies including multiple Ligue 1 titles and other honours.
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