Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial in Rape Case Following Appeals Court Ruling

A French appeals court ruled on Friday that Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi must stand trial regarding rape allegations dating back to early 2023. The decision by the Versailles Court of Appeal confirms the findings of an initial investigation that led to his formal indictment in March 2023, according to reports from Reuters.

What are the allegations against Achraf Hakimi?

The case stems from an incident reported in February 2023. A 24-year-old woman alleged that she was raped by the footballer at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris. According to France 24, the complainant approached police shortly after the alleged encounter, leading to an immediate investigation by French authorities. Hakimi was placed under judicial supervision following his initial indictment.

How has the defense responded to the court ruling?

Achraf Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations since the investigation began. His legal team has maintained that the encounter was consensual and has labeled the accusation an attempted extortion. Following the appeals court’s decision, his lawyers indicated they would continue to contest the charges as the case moves toward a criminal trial. Throughout the duration of the investigation, the player has remained active for both his club, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Moroccan national team, continuing his professional career while the legal process unfolded.

What is the legal process moving forward?

By confirming the trial, the appeals court has rejected requests from the defense to dismiss the charges. In the French legal system, an indictment is not a conviction but a formal notice that an investigating magistrate has found sufficient evidence to warrant a trial before a criminal court. While the date for the trial has not yet been set, the case will now proceed to the court of assizes or a relevant criminal tribunal. Under French law, the penalty for a conviction of rape can be significant, though specific sentencing depends on the findings presented during the trial proceedings.

Legal Status Summary

• Status: Indicted and ordered to stand trial.
• Allegation: Rape, reported in February 2023.
• Plea: The player denies all wrongdoing.
• Next Steps: Scheduling of trial dates in the French criminal court system.

The progression of this case marks a significant development for both the player and the club. As of January 2025, neither Paris Saint-Germain nor the French Football Federation has issued new disciplinary sanctions, as the player remains under the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the French judicial system until a verdict is rendered.