Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in a rape case after a French appeals court upheld a previous judicial decision.
The ruling comes more than three years after a woman accused the football star of sexual assault at his residence near Paris. Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations and says he is eager to present his side of the story in court.
Court Rejects Appeal
According to reports, Hakimi challenged a February ruling by an investigative judge that recommended the case move to trial. However, the Versailles Appeals Court has now confirmed that the legal proceedings will continue.
The trial date has not yet been announced.
Allegations Date Back to 2023
The case began in March 2023 when a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of rape after visiting his home in a Paris suburb.
The complainant’s legal team welcomed the court’s decision, saying it gives their client an opportunity to have her case heard in a full trial.
Lawyer Rachel-Flore Pardo described the ruling as an important step in the judicial process and expressed hope that the case would encourage other survivors of sexual violence to seek justice.
Hakimi Breaks Silence
Following the court’s decision, Hakimi posted a statement on social media defending his innocence.
The Moroccan international said he believed his public profile played a role in the case moving forward.
“Justice looked me in the eye and told me: If you were not famous, there would never have been a case.”
Hakimi said he had chosen to remain silent throughout much of the investigation because he trusted the legal system.
“I have been waiting for this trial since the first day. Finally, I will be able to speak.”
Defence Maintains Innocence
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Collin, argued that evidence gathered during the investigation supports the footballer’s innocence.
The defence team stated that several elements uncovered during the judicial inquiry should have resulted in the case being dismissed. They also questioned aspects of the complainant’s testimony and criticised the continuation of legal proceedings.
Focus Remains on Upcoming Trial
As the case moves toward trial, both the prosecution and defence are expected to present their evidence before the court.
The proceedings will attract significant international attention due to Hakimi’s profile as one of the world’s most recognisable footballers and a key player for both PSG and the Moroccan national team.
Until a verdict is reached, the allegations remain subject to judicial review, and Hakimi continues to maintain his innocence.
Who Is Achraf Hakimi?
Achraf Hakimi is one of the leading defenders in world football. He currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Morocco National Football Team. Hakimi played a crucial role in Morocco’s historic FIFA World Cup run and remains one of the country’s most prominent athletes.
