A French appeals court confirmed on Friday that Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco soccer star Achraf Hakimi will face trial on rape charges. The court decided after an appeal was lodged by Hakimi against a ruling in February by an investigative judge. This decision came shortly before Morocco’s Group C match against Scotland in the World Cup. Morocco’s earlier game against Brazil ended in a 1-1 draw.
Widely considered one of the top right backs in soccer, Hakimi is currently playing in the World Cup for Morocco. He has denied any involvement in the alleged crime. The case originated in March 2023 when a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of rape at his residence in a Paris suburb. The Versailles appeals court stated in a press release that Hakimi would be formally charged with rape, based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer for the unnamed plaintiff, expressed that the court’s decision provides her client relief and optimism. The lawyer highlighted the significance of the trial not only for her client but as a step towards addressing sexual violence in men’s football. She noted the importance of challenging denial and impunity in such cases.
Hakimi conveyed his thoughts through a social media message, suggesting that his fame influenced the case’s persistence. He stated, “Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case,’” and added that the case disrupted his and his family’s lives. Nevertheless, Hakimi expressed a readiness to finally address the allegations publicly during the trial.
Hakimi’s attorney, Fanny Colin, criticized the judicial handling of the case, citing numerous elements that could have justified dismissing the proceedings. The defense argued that inconsistencies and false statements from the accuser should have been more thoroughly considered. A trial date is yet to be set.