Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France after losing an appeal against rape charges. An appeals court in Versailles determined that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case, according to a statement released on Friday.
The 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain fullback has denied all allegations since the charges were first filed in March 2023. The case stems from allegations made by a 24-year-old woman who claimed she was assaulted in February 2023.
Taking to X to respond to the ruling, Hakimi expressed his desire to clear his name, suggesting his fame had made him a target. “Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case,’” he wrote. “I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.”
Hakimi continued, stating that a narrative “not mine” is being told at the expense of his family and the truth, adding, “I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak.”
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the attorney representing the plaintiff, welcomed the court’s decision. “The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for committing rape,” Pardo posted on X. She noted that the decision aligns with the views of the public prosecutor and the investigating judge, expressing hope that the trial would encourage other survivors of sexual violence to come forward, even within the high-profile world of professional football.
A specific date for the trial has not yet been determined. Hakimi remains an active part of Morocco’s World Cup squad, playing full matches in the team’s first two outings, including a 1-0 victory over Scotland. Morocco is scheduled to conclude their Group C campaign against Haiti this Wednesday in Atlanta.
