French court rules that rape case against Morocco star Achraf Hakimi can go to trial
French court rules that rape case against Morocco star Achraf Hakimi can go to trial
Nick BrombergFri, June 19, 2026 at 6:09 PM UTC
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French court rules that rape case against Morocco star Achraf Hakimi can go to trial
Morocco right back Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial on rape charges after a Versailles, France, appeals court said Friday that the case against him could proceed.
Hakimi is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in March of 2023 at his home in greater Paris. He plays club football for Paris Saint-Germain and the court's decision that there was enough evidence for a trial came on the same day that Morocco plays its second group stage game of the World Cup against Scotland.
The alleged victim's attorney told the in a statement that the decision for the trial to proceed brought the woman "relief" and "hope."
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"Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have her case heard at trial," Rachel-Flore Pardo said in a statement to The Associate Press. "Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including within the world of men's football."
Hakimi denied the accusations Friday on social media and claimed there would not have been "a case" if he was not famous.
"Justice looked me in the eyes and said 'If you weren't famous, there never would have been a case.'
"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.
"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."
Hakimi, 27, is one of the best right backs in the world and has been an integral piece of Morocco and PSG's recent success. PSG won its second consecutive Champions League in May over Arsenal and Morocco finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup. No trial date has been announced.
Morocco opened the 2026 World Cup with a 1-1 tie aganst Brazil in Group C.
Source: “AOL Sports”
