A French appeals court has confirmed that Moroccan national football team captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial on charges of rape. The ruling confirms that the legal proceedings against the athlete, which date back to accusations made in 2023, will move forward despite his previous appeal being rejected.
The case centers on allegations that Hakimi assaulted a woman in 2023. At the time the initial accusations were brought forward, the accuser was identified as a 24-year-old woman. The Paris Saint-Germain defender has consistently denied the allegations of rape throughout the legal process.
In February of this year, an investigation into the matter was conducted, leading to further judicial review. Hakimi’s legal team filed an appeal against the decision to proceed with the trial. However, the appeals court ruled against him, ordering that he must stand trial for the alleged sexual assault. The confirmation of the trial date marks a significant step in the judicial process, moving the case from pre-trial investigations to formal court proceedings.
Hakimi is a prominent figure in international football, serving as the captain of the Moroccan national team and playing as a defender for the French club Paris Saint-Germain. The decision by the French judiciary to proceed with the trial indicates that prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence to present the case before a judge and jury.
The allegations have drawn attention from sports media outlets globally, given Hakimi’s status as a high-profile athlete. Reports indicate that the accusations are serious in nature, involving charges of rape, which carry significant legal penalties under French law if proven guilty.
As the trial approaches, the focus remains on the judicial process itself. The court's decision to reject the appeal and mandate the trial signifies that the case will be adjudicated based on evidence presented in a formal setting. Hakimi maintains his innocence regarding the charges brought against him by the accuser in 2023.
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