Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case after a French appeals court rejected his challenge against an earlier ruling. The decision means the defender will now face criminal proceedings in a case that has drawn widespread attention since allegations first surfaced in 2023.
Hakimi has consistently denied the accusations and maintains that he is innocent. The latest ruling comes while the 27-year-old is representing Morocco at the FIFA World Cup, placing the legal matter back in the spotlight.
Court clears path for trial
The case relates to an alleged incident that took place in February 2023 at Hakimi’s home near Paris. A woman accused the footballer of rape following a meeting arranged through social media. French authorities launched an investigation soon after the allegations emerged.
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After reviewing the case, prosecutors recommended that Hakimi face trial. A lower court accepted that recommendation, but the player’s legal team appealed the decision. The appeals court has now upheld the original ruling, allowing the case to move forward.
Le footballeur Achraf Hakimi devant la justice pour violhttps://t.co/EeLh76b2yQ pic.twitter.com/Y3STRg4wYZ
— Le Hautpanel (@hautpanel) June 20, 2026
The court’s decision does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, it means judges believe there is enough evidence for the matter to be examined in a criminal trial.
Hakimi denies allegations
Hakimi has repeatedly rejected the accusations and said he wants the opportunity to defend himself in court. His lawyers continue to argue that the claims are unfounded and have expressed confidence that the player will clear his name during the trial process.
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Representatives of the woman involved welcomed the ruling, saying it was an important step toward having the case heard in full before a court.
Hakimi remains one of Morocco’s most influential footballers and a key figure for both club and country. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, he has continued his professional career while cooperating with the judicial process.
A date for the trial has not yet been announced. The next stage of the proceedings will determine when the case is formally heard before a criminal court in France, where both sides will have the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments.
