A French appeals court has ruled that Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi will face trial over a rape allegation dating back to 2023, despite the player continuing to deny the accusation.
The decision was upheld on Friday by the Versailles Court of Appeal, paving the way for criminal proceedings against the Paris Saint-Germain defender and captain of Morocco’s national team.
The case stems from a complaint filed by a 24-year-old woman in February 2023. She alleged that Hakimi sexually assaulted her after the two connected on Instagram and later met at his residence near Paris.
According to the complainant, the footballer made unwanted advances, including kissing and touching her without consent before allegedly raping her. She claimed she was able to resist and subsequently contacted a friend who came to pick her up.
Hakimi has consistently rejected the allegations and welcomed the court’s decision to move forward with the trial.
In a post on X shortly after the ruling, the football star said he had been waiting for the opportunity to present his side of the story in court.
A trial date has not yet been announced, but proceedings are expected to take place before a criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department.
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the ruling does not imply guilt and emphasized that her client remains committed to defending himself against the allegations.
Meanwhile, the complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, described the court’s decision as a source of relief and optimism for her client.
The woman, who recently spoke publicly under the pseudonym “Jeanne,” said she hopes the trial will provide an opportunity for her account to be heard and taken seriously.
The legal process comes as Hakimi continues to represent Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Atlas Lions remain in contention.
