The captain of Morocco's national football team, Achraf Hakimi, is to stand trial on charges of rape, a development that has sent shockwaves through the sport. The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who emerged as a hero during Morocco's historic World Cup run, now faces a legal battle that threatens to tarnish his reputation and raise questions about the culture of silence in football.
Hakimi was charged last week following an investigation by French authorities. The alleged incident took place in Paris last year, though details have been kept confidential under French law. The player has denied the accusations, and his legal team has stated they will vigorously defend him.
The timing could not be worse for global football. Just months after the World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals, Hakimi has been a symbol of pride for the region. His rags-to-riches story, from the streets of Madrid to the heights of European football, resonated with millions. Now, those same fans are grappling with the allegations.
The case echoes the broader reckoning facing the sport. High-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Benjamin Mendy have faced similar accusations, though outcomes have varied. Football's governing bodies have been criticised for failing to protect victims and for prioritising the stars over justice. Hakimi's trial will test whether these lessons have been learned.
For Moroccan fans, the news is particularly painful. Hakimi was a unifying figure in a country where football is a religion. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation released a brief statement noting that they are aware of the situation but will not comment until the legal process concludes. Supporters have taken to social media, split between defending their hero and demanding accountability.
The trial is set to begin in Paris next month. If convicted, Hakimi faces up to 20 years in prison. For now, he continues to play for PSG, though the club has said it will monitor the situation. The coming weeks will determine not just one player's fate, but also the direction of football's relationship with justice.
This is a developing story. More details will emerge as the trial proceeds. But one thing is clear: the beautiful game has an ugly problem, and it has no intention of going away.
