World Cup star Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial for rape after his appeal was rejected. The Morocco captain, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, is accused of raping a 24-year-old woman at his home in Paris on February 25, 2023.
The 27-year-old defender has consistently denied the allegations. The public prosecutor initiated an investigation in March 2023, and a judge ordered a trial in February of this year. Hakimi, who will captain Morocco in their second World Cup match against Scotland on Friday, has now seen his appeal dismissed, and a trial will proceed, though a date has yet to be set.
Plaintiff's Lawyer Comments
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.” She added: “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.”
Hakimi's Response
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. “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.”
He added: “I think my lawyer told me so. We knew this could happen. We’re calm. I know what I’ve been accused of. It’s a lie. I know who I am. I know I haven’t done anything. And I never would. I asked to speak to the police, to them, to explain my version. Always when they’ve needed me for anything… What’s more, they have my DNA. Whatever they needed, I was available, unlike the person accusing me, who didn’t make things easy. Thanks to the police’s work, we’ve been able to find quite a few good things. The truth is, I’m calm. I know I’m in good hands with my lawyer. Justice is doing its work, and I hope the truth comes out soon.”
He concluded: “We’re exposed to a lot of things, we’re exposed to things like girls approaching us. Blackmail… I think there are a lot of people in the world of football who take advantage of us. And if you don’t have people around you, these things happen to you. They’ve stained my dignity, because I know what’s really going on, especially in the fact that they’re accusing me of being false. And when you’re falsely accused, it’s not good. I wouldn’t want that to happen to anyone.”
