French court confirms Moroccan footballer Hakimi will stand trial for rape

A French appeals court confirmed on Friday that Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi will be tried for an alleged rape that took place in 2023. The PSG defender, who denies the accusations, will face the proceedings in the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court.

In February 2023, a 24‑year‑old woman reported to police in the Val‑de‑Marne region, southeast of Paris, that Hakimi had raped her. The PSG right‑back, who also captains the Moroccan national team, has consistently maintained his innocence.

After the Versailles Court of Appeal issued its ruling, Hakimi posted on X that he had “been waiting for this trial since day one” and that he would finally be able to speak. A trial date has not yet been set.

Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the confirmation was expected and that the ruling does not imply guilt. “He remains steadfast in his defence,” Colin said.

Rachel‑Flore Pardo, the plaintiff’s lawyer, said the decision brought her client “relief and hope.” The plaintiff, who used the pseudonym Jeanne, first met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023. She later travelled to his home in a taxi that the player had ordered, according to a police source. Jeanne alleged that Hakimi kissed her, touched her without consent, and then raped her. She claimed she was able to push him away and text a friend, who came to pick her up.

In a Mediapart interview published Thursday, Jeanne said she wanted a trial “to defend myself, to be heard” and to “explain myself” so that people would believe her.

The article “French court confirms Moroccan football star Hakimi will stand trial for rape” first appeared on Vanguard News.