Achraf Hakimi, the captain of the Moroccan national football team and a full-back for Paris Saint-Germain, has been ordered to stand trial on charges of rape. The decision by French judicial authorities marks a significant development in a case that has drawn the attention of UK football authorities, given the player’s prominence in European competitions.
The alleged incident dates to 25 February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman filed a complaint claiming she was raped at Hakimi’s home in a Paris suburb. The player, who was 24 at the time, has consistently denied the allegations, with his legal team asserting that the encounter was consensual.
French prosecutors opened an investigation in March 2023, leading to a formal preliminary charge. After months of inquiry, magistrates have now concluded there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The date for the hearing has yet to be set.
Hakimi joined PSG from Inter Milan in 2021 for a reported fee of €68 million. He has been a key figure for the club and the Moroccan national team, notably leading them to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The UK’s Football Association and the Premier League are understood to be closely monitoring the case. With Hakimi’s profile in international football, any conviction could trigger disciplinary action under FIFA’s statutes, including potential sanctions affecting his eligibility for matches in England, where he has played previously with Chelsea during a loan spell.
In France, PSG has issued a brief statement confirming they are aware of the judicial process but declining further comment. The club has not suspended Hakimi, who continues to train and play pending the trial.
The case has reignited debate about the handling of sexual assault allegations in professional sport. Campaign groups have called for football authorities to adopt more robust protocols, particularly when prominent players are involved.
Hakimi’s representatives have expressed confidence that the trial will clear his name, reiterating that all evidence supports his account of consensual relations. The prosecution, however, argues that forensic and testimonial evidence warrants a full court hearing.
Legal experts note that French rape trials often carry severe penalties, with up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The case will be heard in a criminal court in the Paris region.
As the football world waits for a trial date, the case underscores the intersection of athletic stardom and legal accountability. For now, Hakimi remains free to compete, but the shadow cast by the proceedings is unlikely to lift until a verdict is reached.
