A French appeals court has confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in a criminal court following allegations of rape. The decision, which was confirmed on 19 June during the World Cup, marks a major escalation in the legal proceedings against the 27-year-old Moroccan international.
The legal action involves an incident reported in 2023, in which a woman accused the player of sexual assault. Hakimi has consistently and denied the accusations, maintaining his innocence since the initial investigation began.
The court’s ruling ensures that the matter will move from the investigative stage to a formal criminal trial. This development comes after judicial authorities reviewed the evidence to determine if there was sufficient ground to proceed with criminal charges in a court of law.
Legal proceedings and background
The allegations against the PSG star emerged in 2023, prompting French authorities to launch a formal investigation. While the specific details of the victim’s testimony remain protected under French privacy laws, the case centres on an alleged assault that took place at the player’s residence.
Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the premier right-backs in professional football, faces significant professional and personal scrutiny as the case progresses. As a prominent figure in African football and a key player for the Moroccan national team, the legal battle has drawn widespread attention across the continent and within the European football community.
The decision by the appeals court to allow the trial to proceed suggests that investigators have presented enough preliminary material to warrant a full judicial hearing. In the French legal system, such trials involve a rigorous examination of witness statements, forensic evidence, and the testimony of the accused.
The exact date for the trial has not yet been finalised by the French judiciary. Hakimi’s legal team is expected to prepare a formal defence to counter the claims as the court prepares to convene for the hearing.
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