The Morocco national football team captain, Achraf Hakimi, is to stand trial in France on charges of rape, a case that has drawn the attention of British legal experts monitoring the judicial process. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed on Tuesday that the 25-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender has been ordered to appear before a criminal court, following an investigation into alleged events that took place in February 2023.
Hakimi, who has denied the allegations, was initially placed under judicial supervision after a woman filed a complaint claiming she was assaulted at his home in a Paris suburb. The case has since been the subject of a preliminary inquiry led by French magistrates, who have now deemed there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. No date has yet been set for the hearing.
The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison under French law. Hakimi’s legal team has maintained his innocence, arguing that the encounter was consensual. In a statement released through his lawyer, the player expressed confidence that the judicial system would vindicate him.
UK legal experts have been closely following the case, given its high-profile nature and the broader implications for sports governance. The Professional Footballers’ Association has declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. However, sources familiar with the matter have noted that the case will test the robustness of cross-border cooperation between French and British authorities, particularly if victims or witnesses reside in the UK.
The footballer’s career has not been formally impacted; he continues to train with PSG and has been selected for Morocco’s upcoming international fixtures. The club has not issued any statement beyond acknowledging the legal process. Moroccan football officials have also maintained a public silence, though it is understood that they are in regular contact with Hakimi’s representatives.
The trial is expected to attract significant media attention, not only in France but across Europe and North Africa. Legal analysts will be watching for procedural nuances that might inform future cases involving athletes and allegations of sexual violence. The Crown Prosecution Service has not yet indicated whether it will seek to intervene in any capacity, but British barristers have been retained by parties with an interest in the proceedings.
