AFCON 2025
Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will face a criminal trial after French prosecutors referred him to court over an allegation of rape dating back to early 2023.
The decision follows a long-running investigation by the Nanterre Public Prosecutor’s Office into claims made by a 24-year-old woman who said she was raped at Hakimi’s home in Boulogne-Billancourt after meeting him online in February 2023.
Achraf Hakimi Accusation and Legal Process
The allegation first emerged in 2023 when the woman reported that what began as a meeting after Instagram contact ended in non-consensual sexual acts. French authorities formalised an investigation at the time and Hakimi was placed under judicial control.
On Tuesday, prosecutors confirmed the case has now been forwarded to a criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine region where Hakimi will formally stand trial on the rape charge. A trial date has not yet been announced.
Achraf Hakimi Denies Accusations
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Hakimi reiterated his innocence and criticised the process that led to the trial referral. He wrote that although he denies the allegations and believes the claims are false, being accused was sufficient to trigger a trial and he looks forward to his day in court.
Today, an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it’s false. This is as unfair to the innocent as it is to genuine victims. I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.
He described the situation as “emotionally difficult” for him and his family but insisted he will cooperate fully with the judicial process.
Paris Saint-Germain has not commented publicly on the latest development but Hakimi remains in the club’s squad list for their upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture, indicating his playing status has not been immediately affected by the court referral.
This story is developing and further updates are expected as the trial date approaches.
