Achraf Hakimi (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Morocco star Achraf Hakimi will face trial after a French appeals court rejected his challenge to the indictment linked to rape allegations dating back to 2023.
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Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France after an appeals court rejected his challenge against an indictment linked to rape allegations dating back to 2023.
The decision was issued by the investigative chamber of the Versailles Court of Appeal, which upheld the existing indictment and cleared the way for the case to proceed before a criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department.
The case originates from allegations made by a young woman who accused Hakimi of sexual assault and rape after visiting his home in 2023. The woman claimed the footballer acted without her consent during the encounter.
Hakimi has consistently denied all allegations since the investigation began.
The trial is expected to begin in the coming months.
Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, criticized the court's decision and argued that important elements favorable to her client had not been properly considered.
"The plaintiff's contradictions and lies, her concealment of facts from the judicial authorities, her obstruction of the truth and even her psychological assessments were not taken into account at all," Colin said.
Hakimi also reacted publicly from the United States, where he is currently representing Morocco at the World Cup.
In a statement posted on social media, the defender expressed frustration over the lengthy legal process but welcomed the opportunity to finally present his version of events before a court.
"For years I chose to remain silent. I thought maintaining dignity, patience and trust in the legal system would bring the right decisions," Hakimi wrote.
He added that he had been waiting for the trial since the beginning of the case and was eager to defend himself publicly.
"Today, to the detriment of my family, my life and, above all, the truth, a story that is not mine is being told. I have been waiting for this trial since day one, and now I can't wait for it. Finally, I will be able to speak."
The plaintiff's legal team welcomed the ruling.
Lawyer Rachel-Flore Pardo described the court's decision as an important step forward after several years of legal proceedings.
She said the ruling gave her client hope that her case would be fully heard and argued that the upcoming trial could have broader significance in addressing sexual violence allegations within professional sport.
The case has attracted global attention due to Hakimi's profile as one of the world's leading defenders and a key figure for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Morocco national team.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Hakimi remains available for Morocco at the World Cup while continuing to maintain his innocence.
The criminal court will now be responsible for examining the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides before reaching a verdict.