The French appeals court has upheld a decision that Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will face trial on charges of rape. This decision follows a February ruling by an investigative judge, who acted on recommendations from public prosecutors to proceed to trial. Hakimi, currently playing in the World Cup with Morocco, had appealed the decision.
The announcement came just before Morocco’s match against Scotland in Group C. Morocco had previously drawn 1-1 with Brazil in their opening match. Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs globally, denies all accusations against him. In March 2023, preliminary charges were filed after a 24-year-old woman alleged that Hakimi raped her at his residence in a suburb of Paris.
The appeals court in Versailles released a statement confirming the formal charges, noting that investigations and the judicial process provided sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. Rachel-Flore Pardo, representing the plaintiff, expressed that the decision has brought her client relief and hope after several years of legal proceedings. The plaintiff feels that the trial will contribute to breaking the silence around sexual violence in men’s football.
Hakimi responded in a personal message, stating that his fame has influenced the legal proceedings. He claimed, “Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case.’” He expressed frustration at the impact on his family and himself, emphasizing his desire for the trial to begin.
His lawyer, Fanny Colin, highlighted the existence of exculpatory evidence uncovered during the investigation which, she believes, would lead to a case dismissal under different circumstances. Colin criticized the handling of the complainant’s statements and actions during the inquiry.
The date for the trial remains unannounced, leaving both parties awaiting further developments.