Morocco Captain Achraf Hakimi Ordered To Stand Trial After Court Appeal Loss

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial on rape charges after losing an appeal in France, marking the latest development in a legal case that has been ongoing since 2023.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender continues to deny all allegations against him.

According to a report by The Athletic, the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed that an investigating chamber had determined there was sufficient evidence for the case against the Paris Saint-Germain full-back to proceed to trial. No trial date has yet been set.

Hakimi, 27, has consistently denied any wrongdoing since March 2023, when the charges were brought against him. The defender had previously revealed in February that he expected the matter to go before a court and has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation.

The decision comes while Hakimi is representing Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The defender played the full 90 minutes in Morocco's opening Group C draw against Brazil and remains part of Mohamed Ouahbi's squad ahead of their upcoming fixture against Scotland.

Following the court's ruling, Hakimi released a statement on social media platform X, in which he expressed his desire for the case to finally be heard in court.

"Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: 'If you weren't famous, there never would have been a case.'"

The Morocco captain added that he had remained silent for several years because he believed the legal process would ultimately establish the truth.

"I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made."

He continued: "Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I've become an easy target."

"I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak."

The allegations relate to an incident said to have taken place in February 2023. A 24-year-old woman alleged that Hakimi assaulted her, a claim that the player has consistently rejected.

The complainant's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the court's decision and said it represented a decisive moment for her client after more than three years of legal proceedings.

In a statement published on social media, Pardo said the investigating chamber had concluded there was sufficient evidence to justify sending Hakimi before a criminal court.

She described the ruling as bringing her client "relief and hope" after what she characterised as a lengthy legal battle.

“The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for committing rape,” Pardo wrote on X.

“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.

“Six judges therefore determined that the numerous incriminating elements justify indicting Achraf Hakimi before the Departmental Criminal Court for rape.

“After more than three years of legal battles, after being slandered and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence, this decision brings my client relief and hope.

“Relief at having been heard by the justice system and at having the right to a trial.

“The hope is that this trial will help other women and further crack the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even in the world of men’s football.”

Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, strongly disagreed with the decision and argued that the case should have been dismissed.

"The multitude of exculpatory elements uncovered during the investigation and judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to the dismissal of the proceedings," Colin told the Associated Press.

She further claimed that contradictions and alleged inaccuracies in the complainant's account had not been given sufficient weight during the investigation.

“Achraf Hakimi’s defence regrets that no consequences were drawn from the contradictions and false statements made by the complainant, her concealment of information from the judicial authorities, her obstruction of the search for the truth, and the psychological assessments noting both her ambivalence and her lack of clarity regarding the events she reported.”

The case has attracted significant attention due to Hakimi's status as one of world football's most recognisable defenders.

A key figure for both Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco, he helped the Atlas Lions reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and remains one of the central figures in their current campaign.

With no trial date yet announced, the matter remains ongoing as both sides prepare to present their cases before the court.