Moroccan football captain Achraf Hakimi is to stand trial for rape, sources confirm. The Paris Saint-Germain defender, 25, faces charges over an alleged incident in February this year. UK legal experts are monitoring the case closely as it could set a precedent for footballers accused of sexual assault.
Uncovered documents from the Nanterre prosecutor’s office reveal Hakimi was placed under judicial supervision last month. He is banned from contacting the alleged victim and from returning to the home where the incident occurred. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in French prisons.
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, told reporters her client denies the allegations “point by point.” She claims the encounter was consensual. But the prosecution’s files suggest a different story. Leaked reports indicate the alleged victim, a 23-year-old woman, filed a complaint two days after the incident. Medical reports show signs of physical trauma consistent with her account.
This is not the first time Hakimi has faced legal trouble. In 2022, he was investigated for alleged tax fraud in Spain, though the case was later dropped. Now, with this rape trial looming, his future hangs in the balance.
UK legal experts are paying close attention. “The French system is different from ours,” said barrister Sarah Jones. “But the evidential thresholds are similar. If convicted, Hakimi could face a long prison sentence. Football clubs are watching too. A conviction would end his career.”
Hakimi’s club, PSG, has so far remained silent. But sources inside the club say they are “deeply concerned.” The Moroccan Football Federation has also refused to comment. But with the World Cup in Qatar just months away, a conviction could derail Morocco’s plans.
The trial date has not been set. But sources say it could start as early as October. Hakimi is expected to appear in court in person. His legal team is reportedly preparing a robust defence, including character witnesses from the football world.
Meanwhile, the alleged victim has spoken to French police in detail. Her account is said to be “compelling and consistent.” She has requested anonymity, but her identity is known to prosecutors.
This case raises uncomfortable questions about how football clubs handle allegations against their star players. PSG fans have already voiced anger on social media, with some calling for Hakimi to be suspended until the trial ends. But the club has not acted.
“Football clubs are businesses first,” said sports lawyer Caroline Martin. “They will wait until the verdict before making any public decisions. But behind closed doors, they will be preparing for the worst-case scenario.”
The Moroccan captain’s trial is a test for the French justice system. It will also be a test for football’s governance. If Hakimi is convicted, the ripple effects will be felt across the sport. The UK legal experts monitoring this case know that what happens in a Paris courtroom could impact similar cases in London and beyond.
