French Court Upholds Decision to Put Football Star Achraf Hakimi on Trial

A French appeals court has confirmed that Moroccan international footballer Achraf Hakimi will face trial over allegations of rape stemming from an incident reported in 2023. The ruling, delivered on Friday, clears the way for criminal proceedings against the Paris Saint-Germain defender, who has consistently denied the accusation since the case first emerged. The complaint was filed by a woman who told investigators that she was sexually assaulted at Hakimi's residence in the Paris region in February 2023. The woman, who was 24 years old at the time, alleged that the footballer engaged in non-consensual sexual acts after she visited his home. According to investigators, the woman said she had initially connected with Hakimi through social media before accepting an invitation to meet him. She later reported the alleged incident to authorities. Hakimi has repeatedly rejected the allegations and welcomed the court's decision to proceed to trial, stating that he has been awaiting the opportunity to present his version of events before a court. His legal representative maintained that the ruling does not imply guilt and stressed that the player remains confident in his defence. The complainant's lawyer described the court's decision as an important step forward, saying it offers her client hope that her account will be fully heard during judicial proceedings. In comments published by French investigative outlet Mediapart, the woman said she wanted the case to go to trial so she could explain her experience and have her claims examined in court. French authorities have not yet announced a date for the trial, which is expected to take place before a criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department. Hakimi, one of Morocco's most prominent footballers and a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain, continues to play professionally while the legal process unfolds.

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