Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back and captain of the Moroccan national team, will stand trial for rape following a formal investigation by French authorities. The case, which has drawn intense international attention, is being closely monitored by UK sports bodies as they assess potential implications for football governance and athlete conduct standards. The allegations emerged in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman filed a complaint accusing Hakimi of sexual assault at his home in Paris.
Hakimi has consistently denied the charges, maintaining that the encounter was consensual. His legal team has argued that the accuser's claims are fabricated and that evidence, including surveillance footage, will exonerate him. However, French prosecutors concluded there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial after months of investigation.
The case is scheduled to be heard in a Paris court in early 2025. The UK's involvement stems from Hakimi's high-profile status and the fact that he previously played for Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid during the 2022-2023 season. While the alleged incident did not occur on British soil, UK sports authorities, including the Football Association and the UK Anti-Doping agency, are monitoring developments to ensure that any sanctions or disciplinary actions align with international standards for sexual misconduct allegations in sport.
Hakimi's trial represents a significant moment for the intersection of legal accountability and elite sport. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison under French law. The outcome will be closely watched by advocates for victims in sport, as well as by stakeholders concerned with the integrity of global football.
The Moroccan captain remains eligible to play for his club and country pending the trial verdict. This case underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing sexual violence allegations within the high-stakes environment of professional athletics, where public pressure and legal complexities often collide.
