Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over allegations of rape linked to an incident in 2023, French prosecutors have confirmed.
The public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, a western suburb of Paris, said an investigating judge ordered Hakimi to face trial in February 2026 following a preliminary investigation that began in March 2023 after a complaint was filed by a woman who alleged she was raped at the player’s home in Paris when she was 24.
French media reports say the 27-year-old unsuccessfully appealed to have the case dismissed. Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations and insists he is eager to present his defence in court.
“The justice system looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you weren’t famous, there would never have been a case,’” Hakimi wrote on social media on Friday.
“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.”
Hakimi, who is set to captain Morocco at their World Cup fixture against Scotland on Friday, continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, lawyer for the plaintiff, welcomed the court’s decision, saying it marked a crucial step after years of legal proceedings.
“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,” she said.
“Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial.
“Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men’s football.”
The case comes amid wider World Cup travel complications involving players facing legal proceedings. Morocco’s group-stage matches are being held in the United States, but qualification to later rounds could create travel issues depending on venue allocations across host nations.
Last week, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey missed his country’s opener against Panama after being denied entry to Canada. Partey, who faces separate legal charges and has pleaded not guilty, is due to stand trial next year.
Canada’s immigration rules allow authorities to deny entry to individuals accused or convicted of certain crimes, raising potential complications for players involved in ongoing legal cases during the tournament.
Hakimi, who has earned 97 caps for Morocco, made his international debut in 2016 and played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
At club level, he joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 and has since won 13 trophies, including multiple league and European honours.
