French judges have ruled that Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi must stand trial on rape charges after an appeals chamber found sufficient evidence, escalating a legal battle that began in March 2023 and casting a shadow over his role at the 2026 World Cup. Hakimi denies wrongdoing and says he welcomes the opportunity to speak; no trial date has been set.
Achraf Hakimi ordered to stand trial after Versailles appeals decision
An investigating chamber in France concluded there is sufficient evidence for Achraf Hakimi to face trial on a rape charge stemming from an alleged February 2023 incident. Hakimi, 27, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and captains Morocco, has repeatedly denied the allegation since being charged in March 2023.
The appeals decision follows judicial review and moves the case closer to a courtroom determination rather than dismissal.
Where this leaves Hakimi and the Morocco squad
Hakimi remains part of Morocco’s squad for the 2026 World Cup and played the full 90 minutes in the opening group match against Brazil on June 13. The legal development adds an unavoidable distraction for a high-profile player during a major international tournament. Selection, availability and team dynamics can be affected by prolonged legal processes, even before any conviction or acquittal is reached.
Hakimi’s public response
Hakimi issued a statement on social media saying he has waited for a trial since the beginning and that he looks forward to finally speaking in court. He framed the proceeding as an opportunity to set the record straight and defended his conduct, while suggesting fame has shaped how the case was treated. Those comments underline a strategy of public engagement alongside legal defence.
Reaction from the plaintiff’s legal team
The woman who brought the complaint expressed relief that judges found the evidence sufficient to proceed to trial. Her lawyer described the decision as consistent with the evidence and said it offers the complainant the chance for a formal hearing and potential accountability. Those remarks emphasize the significance the legal step holds for the alleged victim and broader conversations about sexual violence.
Defense stance and contested evidence
Hakimi’s legal team argued the case should have been dismissed, citing what they describe as numerous exculpatory elements and contradictions in the complainant’s account. The defence says these inconsistencies and psychological assessments undermine the allegations and should have led to the end of proceedings. That dispute over evidence will be central when judges and, later, jurors evaluate the case.
Legal timeline and next steps
No trial date has been announced; moving from indictment to trial in France can take months, depending on appeals, investigations and court scheduling. The appeals chamber ruling simply clears a judicial threshold — it does not determine guilt or innocence. Both sides will now prepare for a courtroom process that could include witness testimony, forensic review and legal argument.
Why this matters for football and public perception
High-profile legal cases involving elite athletes test how clubs, national teams and governing bodies balance due process with reputational risk. For PSG and Morocco, the immediate challenge is managing on-field performance while public attention and legal uncertainty persist off it. Long term, the case may influence how football institutions respond to allegations against players and how quickly they take administrative steps in parallel with legal proceedings.
What to watch next
Watch for formal scheduling of a trial and any interim judicial rulings that could affect Hakimi’s travel or participation in fixtures. Monitor statements from the national team and club regarding availability or disciplinary measures, though those organizations often defer to judicial outcomes.
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Above all, the legal process itself will dictate timelines; courts, not headlines, will decide the final outcome.
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