Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi to stand trial over rape allegation in France

[caption id="attachment_1315801" align="alignnone" width="612"] Achraf HAKIMI of Morocco during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C match between Scotland and Morocco at Gillette Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Foxborough, United States. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)[/caption]Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France after prosecutors confirmed that a rape allegation against the 27-year-old will proceed to criminal court.The Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed the decision on Friday, June 19, rejecting Hakimi's appeal to have the case dismissed.

An investigating judge had previously ordered a trial in February 2026.The case stems from an accusation made by a 24-year-old woman who alleged that Hakimi raped her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a Paris suburb, in February 2023 after the pair met on Instagram.

French authorities opened a preliminary investigation in March of that year, and Hakimi was placed under formal investigation."I've been waiting for this trial since day one," Hakimi said.Hakimi has strongly denied all allegations and has repeatedly maintained his innocence.

In a statement shared on social media, he expressed frustration over the proceedings, claiming he had remained silent for years out of respect for the legal process."The justice system looked me in the eye and said, 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case,'" Hakimi wrote."I chose to remain silent for years.

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

Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth.

I sometimes feel like I've become an easy target.""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 woman's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the court's ruling, saying her client felt relieved that the case would be heard in court."After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence, this decision brings her relief and hope," Pardo stated.She added that the trial could contribute to breaking what she described as a culture of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in men's football.Hakimi is currently with Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States and captained the Atlas Lions in their 1-1 draw with Brazil in the group opener.

He is expected to lead the team in their second Group C match against Scotland on Friday, June 19.However, should Morocco advance to knockout matches scheduled in Canada or Mexico, the ongoing legal proceedings could potentially create travel complications for the defender depending on immigration and legal considerations.