PSG Defender Achraf Hakimi to Face Rape Trial in France

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France over an alleged rape after the country’s highest court upheld a decision sending the footballer before a criminal court.

A judicial source told AFP on Wednesday that the Court of Cassation had rejected Hakimi’s appeal against the decision to prosecute him over allegations dating back to 2023.

The 27-year-old footballer has consistently denied the allegation.

Hakimi had challenged a decision made in February ordering him to stand trial before the criminal court in France’s Hauts-de-Seine department.

His legal team subsequently appealed the decision, but the Versailles appeals court upheld it on June 19.

The latest ruling by the Court of Cassation represents Hakimi’s final legal avenue against being sent to trial.

The case relates to allegations made by a woman who was 24 at the time. She reported to police in February 2023 that Hakimi had raped her at his home.

According to information previously provided by a police source, the woman said she first met Hakimi through Instagram in January 2023.

She reportedly travelled to the footballer’s home in a taxi ordered by Hakimi.

The woman alleged that Hakimi kissed and touched her without her consent before raping her.

She said she was eventually able to push him away and send a message to a friend, who later arrived to pick her up.

Hakimi was formally charged with rape several days after the allegation was reported.

Following Wednesday’s court decision, Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

The lawyer representing the complainant, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said her client remained determined to pursue the case and seek justice after years of legal proceedings.

The case has attracted considerable attention because of Hakimi’s profile as one of European football’s prominent defenders.

He plays for French champions PSG and represents Morocco at international level.

The upcoming trial will allow the allegations and Hakimi’s defence to be examined in court.

The decision to send him to trial does not itself determine his guilt, and the allegations remain subject to judicial examination.

Hakimi has continued his professional football career since the allegations emerged and has repeatedly maintained his innocence.

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