Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial for allegedly raping a woman he met online, but he will still be allowed to play against Scotland on Friday evening.
Hakimi Faces Serious Allegations
The 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender played for the Atlas Lions during their draw with Brazil and is expected to captain the side against Scotland. However, he now faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Speaking about the trial being confirmed by a French judge, Hakimi said: "I’ve been waiting for this trial from day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak."
Denies Wrongdoing
Hakimi is accused of raping a woman at his family home while his wife and children were on holiday. He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and claims the woman is trying to blackmail him.
The Moroccan captain is currently on bail, having been charged in February 2023. He is under judicial supervision and has a restraining order barring him from contacting the victim.
Trial After World Cup
According to reports, Hakimi will stand trial after Morocco's World Cup campaign ends.
Fanny Colin, Hakimi’s lawyer, said: “The multitude of exculpatory elements revealed by the investigation and the judicial inquiry should, in any other case, have led to a dismissal. Achraf Hakimi’s defence regrets that the consequences of the contradictions and lies of the plaintiff."
Colin added: “Mr. Achraf Hakimi now eagerly awaits his trial so that he can finally speak publicly about the false accusation against him."
Hakimi Speaks Out
Hakimi also posted 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."
