Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape after his appeal was rejected.
The talented fullback is alleged to have raped a 24-year-old woman at his home in Paris on February 25, 2023. Hakimi has now seen an appeal rejected and a trial will go ahead, although a date has not yet been set.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said in a statement: “After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence, this decision brings her relief and hope.
“Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial. Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men’s football.”
Achraf Hakimi representing Morocco at the FIFA World Cup 2026 . (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Hakimi wrote on X: “Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there never would have been a case.’ I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target. I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak.”
The PSG right-back previously addressed the allegations in September, stating its the hardest thing to have happened to him.
“For me, it’s the hardest thing that’s ever happened to me,” he told Canal+. “And the truth is, it’s the hardest blow I’ve ever suffered. I think it was pretty hard for me, and it still is, because when they keep telling lie after lie, it hurts.
“It hurts for my family, for my children, who are young and don’t know what the internet or reading is. I know that at some point in their lives they’ll read things, and for me, seeing that something about their father has been written and on top of that, it’s a lie, is not very pleasant, and I honestly wouldn’t wish that on them.
