Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back and captain of the Moroccan national team, is to stand trial in Paris on charges of rape, judicial sources confirmed on Tuesday. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the football world, revolves around an alleged incident in early 2023 that took place at Hakimi’s home in the French capital.
The 25-year-old defender, who rose to global prominence after Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, has consistently denied the accusations. His legal team maintains that the encounter was consensual and has pointed to digital evidence, including text messages, to support his account. The accuser, a 24-year-old woman whose identity has been protected, filed a formal complaint in March 2023, leading to a preliminary investigation by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
In a statement released through his lawyers, Hakimi expressed confidence in the judicial process. ‘I have always cooperated fully with the authorities and will continue to do so. I am innocent of these charges, and I trust that the truth will prevail in court,’ the statement read.
The trial is expected to be a high-profile affair, drawing intense media scrutiny not only in France and Morocco but globally. Hakimi’s dual identity as a star athlete and a national hero adds a layer of complexity. In Morocco, he is celebrated as a symbol of the country’s footballing renaissance, and the case has sparked debates about the intersection of fame, power, and accountability.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome will hinge on the credibility of the testimonies and the forensic evidence gathered from the scene. The prosecution will likely argue that Hakimi exploited his status, while the defence will focus on the absence of force or coercion. The trial date is yet to be set, but it is expected to commence within the next six months.
This case echoes similar scandals in the sports world, where athletes have faced allegations of sexual misconduct. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Kobe Bryant, the pattern raises questions about the culture of impunity that sometimes surrounds elite sports figures. Hakimi’s trial will be a test of whether the legal system can handle such cases without bias, particularly when the defendant is a celebrated icon.
For Qatar-owned PSG, the timing is particularly awkward. The club has been under fire for its human rights record, and this scandal adds another layer of negative publicity. Hakimi has been one of the team’s standout performers this season, and if convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence, effectively ending his career.
The broader implications for football governance are significant. Fifa and national federations have been urged to implement stricter codes of conduct for players, especially those representing their countries. The case has already prompted calls for mandatory education on consent and respect for all players in top leagues.
As the football world awaits the trial, the spotlight remains on the principles of justice and due process. In a society where algorithms often judge us before we step into a courtroom, the Hakimi case serves as a reminder that the most complex code is still human behaviour. And sometimes, the only way to debug it is through a fair trial.
