Achraf Hakimi, the star defender for Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain, is set to stand trial in France after an appeals court upheld a decision requiring him to face sexual assault charges. The ruling was announced on Friday, just hours before Morocco's crucial World Cup group-stage match against Scotland. Hakimi, one of the most recognized defenders in world football, has consistently denied all allegations made against him and maintains that he has done nothing wrong.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to 2023 when a 24-year-old woman accused the PSG defender of raping her at his home in the Paris area. Following a lengthy investigation, prosecutors recommended that the case proceed to trial. An investigating judge agreed earlier this year, and Hakimi's legal team appealed the decision. However, the appeals court has now confirmed that sufficient evidence exists for the matter to be examined during a criminal trial. A trial date has not yet been announced.
French Court Finds Sufficient Evidence
According to the appeals court, investigators gathered enough evidence during the inquiry to justify moving the case forward. The court concluded that the allegations should now be examined in a full trial, where both sides will have the opportunity to present their arguments before a judge. The woman bringing the complaint welcomed the decision. Through her lawyer, she said the ruling gave her confidence that her claims had been taken seriously after years of legal proceedings. Her legal representative stated that the decision offered hope that the judicial process would continue to address allegations of sexual violence fairly and transparently, regardless of the public profile of the accused.
Hakimi's Response
Achraf Hakimi responded publicly after the ruling. The Moroccan international argued that his fame played a major role in the case continuing for so long. He suggested that an ordinary person facing the same circumstances may never have seen the matter reach court. Hakimi also explained that he had chosen not to speak extensively about the allegations over the years because he trusted the legal process to reach the correct conclusion.
The defender added that the ongoing proceedings had affected not only him but also those close to him, including his family. Despite that, he said he is ready for the trial because it will finally provide him with the opportunity to present his version of events in detail.
Defense Criticism
Hakimi's lawyer strongly criticized the ruling. She argued that investigators uncovered numerous elements that supported her client's innocence and claimed that inconsistencies in the complainant's account were not properly considered. The defense also maintained that several findings from the investigation should have led to the case being dismissed rather than sent to trial.
