French Court Orders Morocco Captain Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial Over 2023 Rape Allegation

A French appeals court has confirmed that Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over a rape allegation dating to 2023. Hakimi denies the accusation, and no trial date has yet been announced.

PARIS, France — A French appeals court has confirmed that Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over a rape allegation dating to 2023, rejecting an appeal against an earlier judicial decision that the case should proceed to court. Hakimi denies the allegation.

The ruling comes as Morocco competes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, placing renewed international attention on one of Africa’s most prominent footballers during the sport’s biggest global tournament.

French judicial authorities opened an investigation in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman alleged that she had been raped at Hakimi’s home in the Paris area. Following a lengthy judicial inquiry, an investigating judge ordered that the matter proceed to trial. The appeals court has now upheld that decision.

Hakimi, 27, has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the investigation.

The Versailles appeals court said in a statement that evidence gathered during the investigation was sufficient for the matter to be examined at trial. Under French criminal procedure, a decision to send a case to trial indicates that investigating magistrates believe sufficient evidence exists for the allegations to be tested in court. It is not a finding of guilt.

No date has yet been announced for the trial.

Hakimi Rejects Allegations

In comments published after the ruling, Hakimi maintained his innocence and criticised the proceedings.

The defender said he believed the case would not have arisen had he not been a public figure and described himself as an “easy target”. He added that he had been waiting for the opportunity to present his case before a court.

Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the defence believed evidence gathered during the judicial investigation should have resulted in the dismissal of the proceedings. She criticised the court’s decision and said the defence remained confident in Hakimi’s position.

Lawyers representing the complainant welcomed the ruling. Rachel-Flore Pardo, who represents the woman bringing the allegation, said the decision gave her client a sense of relief and hope after several years of legal proceedings.

Why the Case Matters

The case is being closely followed across Morocco and the wider African football community because of Hakimi’s status as one of the continent’s most successful active players. The defender has established himself as one of the world’s leading right-backs and played a central role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making the Atlas Lions the first African nation to reach the last four of the tournament.

He has also enjoyed significant success at club level, winning major domestic honours in Europe and helping Paris Saint-Germain secure UEFA Champions League success. Because of his profile, developments in the case have attracted international attention well beyond France’s legal system.

What It Means for Morocco

The ruling does not immediately affect Hakimi’s availability for Morocco at the World Cup. He remains eligible for selection while legal proceedings continue, and there has been no indication from football authorities that his playing status will change as a result of the court’s decision.

However, the case is likely to continue generating scrutiny as Morocco pursue their World Cup campaign. The timing of the ruling, coming during the tournament, ensures that legal developments will remain part of the broader conversation surrounding one of Morocco’s most influential players.

Presumption of Innocence

Under French law, a defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The appeals court ruling does not determine criminal liability and should not be interpreted as a finding that the allegation has been proven. Any decision regarding guilt or innocence will be made only after a full trial in which evidence from both sides is examined. For now, the case moves into its next legal phase while Hakimi continues his football career and international duties with Morocco.