Morocco national team captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France. This development follows a ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal, which determined there is sufficient evidence to initiate criminal proceedings over an alleged rape dating back to February 2023.
The Court’s Decision and Next Steps
The decision by the appeals court upholds a previous recommendation from prosecutors, who requested that the case proceed to trial following a lengthy investigation.
While the court has officially ruled that criminal proceedings will move forward, no trial date has been announced at this time. Given Hakimi’s global status, the upcoming trial is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched legal cases involving a high-profile athlete.
Details of the Allegations and Defense
The charges stem from an incident in February 2023 that reportedly occurred at Hakimi’s home near Paris, where a woman accused the football star of sexual assault.
Throughout the investigation, Hakimi has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. His legal team maintains that the accusations are entirely false and has expressed absolute confidence that the trial will ultimately clear the defender’s name.
Status and Career Impact
As the decision to proceed to trial does not constitute a finding of guilt, Hakimi remains eligible to play professional football. He continues to be a crucial figure on the pitch for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, including during their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the legal process runs its course.
Source: Africa Publicity
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