French court rejects appeal
Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case after a French appeals court rejected his attempt to have the proceedings dismissed.
According to BBC Sport, the Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender has denied the allegation, which relates to an alleged incident at his home in the Paris suburbs in 2023.
The decision was confirmed by the Versailles appeals court on Friday, only hours before Morocco’s World Cup group-stage match against Scotland in Foxborough, near Boston.
Hakimi, 27, had appealed an earlier decision by an investigative judge. That ruling followed a recommendation from prosecutors that the case should go to trial.
Allegation dates back to 2023
The case began after a woman, then aged 24, said Hakimi had raped her at his home. Preliminary charges were brought against him in March 2023.
Hakimi has consistently denied wrongdoing. Under French procedure, the court’s decision means the case can proceed to trial, but it is not a finding of guilt.
According to The Associated Press, the Versailles appeals court said the investigation had found sufficient grounds for the case to be heard at trial. A date for the hearing has not yet been announced.
Lawyers respond to decision
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the complainant, welcomed the court’s ruling.
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“Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have her case heard at trial,” Pardo said.
Hakimi responded on social media by saying he wanted the opportunity to give his account in court.
“I have been waiting for this trial since the first day. And I am now waiting for it impatiently,” he wrote. “Finally, I will be able to speak.”
His lawyer, Fanny Colin, criticised the decision and argued that the investigation had produced evidence that should have led to the case being dismissed.
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“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 said.
World Cup focus continues
The ruling came while Hakimi is with Morocco at the World Cup. Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opening Group C match and were due to face Scotland on Friday evening at Boston Stadium.
The case does not currently prevent Hakimi from playing for Morocco, but it adds a serious off-field issue to the team’s tournament. The defender remains one of Morocco’s most important players and captains the national side.
He joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 and has since become a central figure for both club and country. PSG have also enjoyed major success during his time in Paris, including two recent Champions League titles.
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For now, Hakimi’s football campaign continues. The legal case, however, will move forward in France.
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