PSG and Morocco star Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case, as confirmed by a French appeals court on Friday. According to a report by The Associated Press, the defender had appealed a February decision by an investigative judge, and that ruling followed recommendations from public prosecutors that he should face trial.
PSG star Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in a rape case. (AFP)
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The decision by the Versailles appeals court was released only hours before Morocco's second Group C clash against Scotland. They drew 1-1 in their opener against Brazil.
Hakimi faced preliminary charges of rape in March 2023, when a 24-year-old woman accused him of raping her at his home in a Paris suburb.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, stated that after more than three years of legal proceedings, the court's decision is a relief for her client. She also accused Hakimi's defence of defaming her client.
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In a statement to AP, she said, "Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have her case heard at trial."
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In a statement to AP, she said, "Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have her case heard at trial."
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"Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including within the world of men's football."
Hakimi Achraf's response
Meanwhile, Hakimi has defended himself on X, stating that he is an easy target due to his popularity. "Justice looked me in the eye and told me: If you were not famous, there would never have been a case," he wrote.
"I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made."
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"I have been waiting for this trial since the first day. And I am now waiting for it impatiently.
"Finally, I will be able to speak", he added.
The trial's date hasn't been announced yet. Meanwhile, Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Collin, told the Associated Press, "The multitude of exculpatory elements uncovered during the investigation and judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to the dismissal of the proceedings."
"Achraf Hakimi's defense regrets that no consequences were drawn from the contradictions and false statements made by the complainant, her concealment of information from the judicial authorities, her obstruction of the search for the truth, and the psychological assessments noting both her ambivalence and her lack of clarity regarding the events she reported."
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Sports/Football/Achraf Hakimi to stand trial in rape case, PSG star breaks silence: ‘Easy target. Finally, I will be able to speak’
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