Morocco captain and PSG star Achraf Hakimi to face rape trial

A French appeals court has upheld the decision to send PSG and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi to trial over a rape allegation dating back to 2023. Hakimi denies wrongdoing.

In Short

• French court clears way for Achraf Hakimi rape trial
• PSG defender says fame made him an "easy target"
• Hakimi denies allegations, welcomes opportunity to testify

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over a rape allegation after a French appeals court rejected his appeal against a previous judicial ruling, according to lawyers involved in the case.

The Versailles appeals court upheld a February decision by an investigative judge to refer the case to a criminal court, paving the way for a trial at a future date. No trial date has yet been announced.

Hakimi had challenged the earlier ruling, which followed recommendations from French prosecutors that he should face trial. The court's decision was confirmed on Friday, just hours before Morocco's World Cup Group C match against Scotland.

The 27-year-old defender, regarded as one of the world's best right-backs, has consistently denied any wrongdoing since the allegations first surfaced in 2023.

ALLEGATIONS FROM 2023

French authorities opened an investigation after a 24-year-old woman alleged that she had been raped by Hakimi at his home in a Paris suburb in February 2023.

The Nanterre prosecutor's office subsequently launched a formal investigation, leading to preliminary charges being brought against the footballer in March 2023.

Hakimi has denied the allegations throughout the legal process.

HAKIMI BREAKS SILENCE

Following the court's decision, Hakimi posted a lengthy statement on social media platform X, claiming his celebrity status played a role in the case moving forward.

"Today, a story that isn't 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," he wrote.

Hakimi said he had remained silent for years because he trusted the judicial process and now welcomed the opportunity to present his side of the story in court.

"I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I'll be able to speak out," he said.

LAWYERS RESPOND

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the complainant, welcomed the appeals court ruling and said it offered her client "relief and hope" after more than three years of legal proceedings.

According to Pardo, the decision means the complainant's case will now be heard in court, where evidence from both sides can be examined.

Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, criticised the ruling and maintained that the investigation had uncovered numerous elements supporting her client's innocence.

She argued that inconsistencies in the complainant's statements and other findings during the investigation should have led to the case being dismissed.

IMPACT ON CAREER

The court ruling comes during a busy period for Hakimi, who recently helped Paris Saint-Germain win a second consecutive UEFA Champions League title and is currently representing Morocco at the FIFA World Cup.

It remains unclear whether the defender's legal situation will affect his participation in Morocco's upcoming matches. PSG and the Moroccan football federation have not publicly commented on the latest development.

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