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Jun 19, 2026 Major2
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French Appeals Court Orders PSG Star Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial for Rape

A French appeals court has ruled that Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial for rape, rejecting his appeal against an earlier decision. The ruling came hours before Morocco's World Cup match against Scotland, as both sides expressed contrasting reactions to the court's decision.
Quick Facts
Who
Achraf Hakimi
What
Appeals court confirms trial for rape case
When
Friday (June 19, 2026)
Where
Versailles, France
- Appeals court confirms trial for rape case
- Hakimi denies allegations
- Plaintiff expresses relief and hope
- Hakimi claims fame made him a target
- Achraf Hakimi
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.
Why This Matters
The ruling brings a high-profile rape case against a Champions League-winning footballer closer to trial, highlighting how legal systems handle allegations against celebrities. For readers, this signals that even top athletes can face judicial processes, and the case could set a precedent for accountability in professional football.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 19, 2026
WireVersailles appeals court confirms Hakimi will stand trial, rejecting his appeal
Jun 19, 2026
WireMorocco plays Scotland in World Cup Group C match hours after court decision