Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape after a French appeals court rejected his motion to quash the case. The Versailles Court of Appeal issued the decision, clearing the way for the 26-year-old to face a criminal court.
The case dates back to March 2023, when the Nanterre prosecutor's office in Paris opened an investigation after a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of raping her at his home in the Paris suburbs. Hakimi was subsequently placed under formal investigation for rape but has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
According to Reuters, neither the Versailles appeals court nor Hakimi's lawyer have commented on the ruling. The date of the trial has yet to be set.
In a post on social media platform X, Hakimi wrote: "Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the cost of my family, my life and, above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I'm an easy target. I have been waiting for this trial from day one. Now I look forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak."
Hakimi recently played for Morocco in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including an opening match against Brazil on June 14. He is also set to represent his country against Scotland this weekend.
