French Appeals Court Orders PSG Star Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial for Rape

A French appeals court has confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial over rape allegations, a decision announced on Friday just hours before Morocco's World Cup group-stage match against Scotland.

The Versailles appeals court upheld a February ruling by an investigative judge, who had followed public prosecutors' recommendations that Hakimi should stand trial. The 27-year-old right-back, who helped PSG win the Champions League for a second consecutive year and is currently representing Morocco at the World Cup, had appealed that decision.

Hakimi faces preliminary charges of rape stemming from a March 2023 complaint by a 24-year-old woman, who alleges she was assaulted at his home in a Paris suburb. The footballer has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that his fame has made him a target, claiming the case would have been dismissed had he not been a public figure.

In a statement on social media, Hakimi expressed frustration with the legal process, stating that while he chose to remain silent for years out of trust in the justice system, the case has been damaging to him and his family. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, argued that exculpatory evidence uncovered during the investigation would have led to dismissal in any other case, and criticized what she described as contradictions and false statements by the complainant.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the plaintiff's lawyer, welcomed the court's decision, saying it brings her client a sense of relief and hope after more than three years of legal proceedings. She expressed hope that the trial will help address sexual violence in professional football and reduce impunity surrounding such cases.

A trial date has not yet been set. Hakimi's legal team indicated they are now awaiting the opportunity to present their full defense in court.