Hakimi to stand trial for rape as lawyer says PSG star is 'eagerly awaiting'

Brazil v Morocco: Group C - FIFA World Cup 2026

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial before a French criminal court following a definitive ruling by the Versailles Court of Appeal. The Moroccan international has been under intense judicial scrutiny since early 2023 over allegations of sexual assault, a claim the full-back has consistently and vehemently denied.

Court finds sufficient evidence

The case stems from a February 2023 incident where a young woman reported a sexual assault at the player's home in Boulogne-Billancourt. Following an extensive three-year judicial inquiry, the prosecution formally requested a trial before the final judicial referral was confirmed by the appeals court. Legal authorities in Hauts-de-Seine ultimately ruled that the investigation had yielded sufficient evidence against the 27-year-old to proceed directly to a full criminal trial.

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Plaintiff lawyer expresses relief

The legal representative for the civil party welcomed the appellate court's decision, describing it as a consistent step toward justice that offers reassurance to victims within elite sports.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the civil party's lawyer, stated: "The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for having committed rape. This decision is perfectly consistent with the evidence in the case and in line with the opinions of the public prosecutor, the investigating judge, and the advocate general at the Court of Appeal.

"This decision brings my client relief and hope... The hope that this trial will help other women and further erode the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even within the world of men's football."

Defense denounces false accusation

Hakimi's legal team has maintained an entirely contrary stance, aggressively criticising the decision to proceed while claiming the investigation overlooked critical exculpatory evidence.

The Morocco international's lawyer responded: "The multitude of exculpatory elements revealed by the investigation and the judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to a dismissal. Mr. Achraf Hakimi is now eagerly awaiting his trial so that he can finally speak publicly about the false accusation against him."

Achraf Hakimi

Morocco captain faces distraction

The legal development emerges at a highly sensitive time for the defender, who is currently captaining Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. Hakimi must lead his nation into a crucial second group stage match against Scotland on Friday evening despite the severe external distractions surrounding his upcoming criminal proceedings.

Club side Paris Saint-Germain will also closely monitor the situation ahead of pre-season training, as a definitive trial date in France is expected to be scheduled soon.