Achraf Hakimi to stand trial: What we know about the case and World Cup status
The Court of Appeal of Versailles has rejected Achraf Hakimi’s bid to dismiss rape charges. The Morocco captain remains active in the World Cup while awaiting trial.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France on rape charges after the Court of Appeal of Versailles rejected his bid to have the case dismissed on Friday. The court concluded there is "sufficient evidence" to proceed to a full trial, marking a significant development more than three years after the initial charge.
The accusation stems from an alleged incident at Hakimi’s residence in Boulogne-Billancourt in February 2023. Hakimi, who won his second Champions League title with PSG last month, has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence and stating that he looks forward to the trial as an opportunity to finally speak.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the accuser, stated that the decision is consistent with the evidence and the findings of the public prosecutor. Conversely, Hakimi’s defence lawyer, Fanny Colin, expressed regret over the decision, arguing that the investigation contained exculpatory elements that should have led to a dismissal.
Regarding his sporting duties, Hakimi has continued to feature for the Morocco national team at the World Cup. Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi has stood by his captain, noting that the defender remains focused and professional despite the external scrutiny and hostile reactions from some fans during matches.
Legal experts suggest that while Hakimi currently holds the necessary authorization to compete in the U.S., his long-term visa status could be subject to review by government authorities as the criminal proceedings progress. No date has been set for the trial to commence.