Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back and captain of the Moroccan national team, is due to stand trial in France on charges of rape, a case that has drawn the attention of British football authorities. The 25-year-old was placed under formal investigation in February 2023 following a complaint from a 24-year-old woman who alleges she was assaulted at his home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt.
Hakimi, who began his career at Real Madrid before moving to Borussia Dortmund and then Inter Milan, has consistently denied the allegations. His lawyers have stated that the encounter was consensual. The trial is scheduled to begin in October 2024 at the Paris Criminal Court.
The Football Association, the Premier League, and the English Football League are monitoring the case closely. While the alleged incident occurred in France and does not directly involve football governance in England, officials are mindful of the potential implications for the Premier League, where Hakimi has previously been linked with a move. No formal discussions have taken place regarding any disciplinary action, as the legal process must be allowed to run its course.
Hakimi remains a key figure for Morocco, having captained the side to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His current club, Paris Saint-Germain, has offered public support but declined further comment while the judicial process continues.
The case is one of several high-profile sexual offence allegations involving figures in professional football. Last year, Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy was acquitted of rape and sexual assault charges, but other players, including Mason Greenwood and Dani Alves, have faced serious allegations that have resulted in legal proceedings or club suspensions.
British football officials are likely to await the outcome of the trial before any specific measures regarding Hakimi’s potential registration or participation in English competitions. However, the case has already prompted renewed scrutiny of how governing bodies handle allegations of serious misconduct.
The trial is expected to last several weeks. If convicted, Hakimi faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years. He has not been suspended by either his club or national team, and continues to train and play for PSG.
