By Rahim Abdul
Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France over a rape allegation dating back to 2023 after a French appeals court rejected his bid to have the case dismissed.
The 27-year-old footballer is currently with the Moroccan national team at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States, where he is leading the Atlas Lions.
French judicial authorities ruled that the case should proceed to trial, although no date has yet been set for the hearing.
Hakimi has consistently denied the allegation since the investigation was opened and maintains that he is innocent.
In a statement released following the court’s decision, the defender said he had been seeking a trial from the outset and welcomed the opportunity to present his version of events before the court.
“I have been waiting for this trial from the beginning and I look forward to finally presenting my side of the story,” Hakimi said.
The case relates to allegations made by a woman in 2023, which led French prosecutors to launch an investigation into the matter.
Hakimi’s legal team has previously challenged the accusations and argued that there are inconsistencies in the claims, expressing confidence that the player will be vindicated.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the Paris Saint-Germain star has continued to play for both his club and the Moroccan national team.
