Trial Confirmed in France
Morocco captain and Paris Saint Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France after prosecutors confirmed the case will proceed.
French authorities say the case involves an allegation from 2023, when a 24 year old woman accused him of rape at his home in Paris. An investigating judge ordered the trial in February 2026 after a long legal process that started in March 2023.
Hakimi has denied all accusations from the beginning. He recently lost an appeal to stop the trial from going ahead, according to French media reports.
Hakimi Responds Publicly
Hakimi spoke on social media and rejected the allegations again. He said he has waited for years to present his side in court. He also claimed the case has affected his family and reputation.
He added that he believes the justice process will allow him to speak openly and clear his name in court.
Complainant Legal Position
The lawyer for the woman involved said the court decision brings relief after years of legal proceedings. She said her client now has the chance to be heard properly in court.
She also said the trial may support wider efforts to address sexual violence and challenge denial in professional sport environments.
Football and World Cup Context
Earlier in the tournament, Thomas Partey missed a match after being denied entry to Canada while facing separate legal charges.
Background
Hakimi made his international debut in 2016 at the age of 17. He played a key role in Morocco reaching the World Cup semi finals in 2022, the first African team to do so.
At club level, he joined Paris Saint Germain in 2021 and has won multiple trophies, including major European titles during his career.
