PSG defender Achraf Hakimi to stand trial after French Court upholds ruling
New Delhi: and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial over a rape allegation after a French appeals court upheld an earlier judicial decision to refer the case to a criminal court.
The ruling came after Hakimi challenged a February decision by an investigating judge. The appeals court in Versailles rejected that appeal, meaning the case will now move towards trial. However, a date for the proceedings has not yet been confirmed. The decision was confirmed on Friday, shortly before Morocco’s World Cup Group C fixture against Scotland. Hakimi who has consistently denied the allegation since it first emerged in 2023, is one of Morocco’s most important players and remains a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain.
Investigation stems from 2023 complaint
The case began in February 2023 when a 24-year-old woman alleged that Hakimi raped her at his home in a suburb of Paris. Following the complaint, French authorities opened an investigation and the Nanterre prosecutor’s office later launched a formal inquiry. The preliminary charges were brought against the footballer in March 2023 with prosecutors eventually recommending that the case proceed to trial. Throughout the process, Hakimi has maintained that he did not commit any wrongdoing.
Hakimi responds after court decision
Following the latest ruling, Hakimi shared a lengthy message on the social media platform X, suggesting that his public profile had influenced the attention surrounding the case.
La justice m’a regardé dans les yeux et m’a dit : « Si vous n’étiez pas connu, il n’y aurait jamais eu d’affaire. » J’ai choisi de me taire pendant des années. J’ai pensé que rester digne, être patient et faire confiance à la justice permettrait que les bonnes décisions soient… — Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) June 19, 2026
“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target,” he wrote. Hakimi also said he had waited patiently for the legal process to unfold and welcomed the opportunity to speak in court. “I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak out,” he said.
Lawyers present opposing views
Rachel-Flore Pardo, who represents the complaint, welcomed the appeals court’s decision and said it brought her client “relief and hope” after more than three years of legal proceedings. Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, criticised the ruling and argued that the investigation had revealed several elements supporting her client’s innocence. She maintained that inconsistencies in the complainant’s account should have resulted in the case being dropped. The legal developments come during a significant period in Hakimi’s career. The defender recently helped PSG secure another UEFA Champions League title and is currently representing at the World Cup. Neither PSG nor the Moroccan football federation has publicly commented on the latest court ruling.