Morocco captain Hakimi to face rape trial in France

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is set to face trial in France over a rape allegation dating back to 2023.

French prosecutors have confirmed that the Paris Saint-Germain defender will be tried after a woman accused him of raping her at his home in Paris.

The woman was 24 at the time of the alleged incident.

Hakimi, 27, has consistently denied the allegation.

The case was first examined by the public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, west of Paris, after a preliminary investigation was opened in March 2023.

An investigating judge ordered that the matter proceed to trial in February 2026.

French media have reported that Hakimi recently failed in an attempt to have the trial dismissed.

No date has yet been fixed for the start of the trial.

Reacting publicly, Hakimi said he had waited years for the chance to give his account in court.

He said he had chosen to remain silent while trusting the justice system, but now wanted the trial to proceed so he could speak.

Hakimi also suggested that his fame had made him vulnerable to being targeted.

The complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the decision for the case to go before a court.

She said her client felt relief that she had been heard and would have the right to a trial.

She also said the case could encourage other women and challenge what she described as denial and impunity around sexual violence, including in men’s football.

The development comes while Hakimi is with the Morocco squad at the World Cup.

He is expected to captain Morocco in their second group match against Scotland on Friday.

Morocco’s group-stage matches are being played in the United States, where the team is currently based.

However, questions could arise later in the tournament if Morocco qualifies for knockout matches scheduled in Canada or Mexico.

Entry rules in host countries have become a major talking point after Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey missed Ghana’s opener against Panama following a visa denial by Canada.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom and is due to stand trial next year.

Hakimi is one of Morocco’s most prominent footballers.

He made his international debut in 2016 at the age of 17 and has won 97 caps for the national team.

He was part of the Morocco side that became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022.

At club level, Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 and has won several trophies with the French champions, including back-to-back Champions League titles in the past two seasons.