Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been charged with rape by French authorities, Yankee Scores reports.
A woman accused the Paris Saint Germain’s defender of rape at his residence in Paris. She claimed it happened when she was 24 years old three years ago.
Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi to be tried in France for rape, appeals court says
➡️ https://t.co/LkAlNvmZoi pic.twitter.com/klWBS4raYN— FRANCE 24 (@FRANCE24) June 19, 2026
The Nanterre Public Prosecutor’s Office started an investigative process in March 2023.
A judge in charge of conducting an investigation ordered a trial in February 2026. According to the French press, Hakimi, 27, failed in an attempt to dismiss the case in a recent appeal.
Hakimi Breaks Years of Silence
According to France 24, Achraf Hakimi, who will be leading his team into the second game of the World Cup against Scotland, has denied any wrongdoing.
“The justice system looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you weren’t famous, there would never have been a case,'” Hakimi wrote on social media on Friday.
“I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I’ve become an easy target.
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak.”
“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, Rachel-Flore Pardo, the plaintiff’s lawyer said in a statement.
“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.”
No trial date has yet been set.
Morocco plays all three of its matches in the group stage of the tournament in the USA, where they currently are.
Another Canada Entry Ban Looming?
However, in case the North African team manages to get through to the knockout rounds, then Hakimi may run into trouble entering Canada or Mexico, as their matches may take place outside the United States.
Earlier last week, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was not allowed to enter Canada and, therefore, did not play in the first match of his country with Panama at the World Cup because of a pending case.
The 32-year-old denies seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four different people between 2020 and 2022.
The player will stand trial next year.
According to the Government website of Canada, they have the right to refuse entrance to anyone “who has committed or been convicted of a crime.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking place simultaneously in all three co-host countries until the quarter-finals, when it will be played exclusively in the USA.
Hakimi, who made his international debut for Morocco in 2016 at 17 years old, has already got 97 caps for the North African national team.
Last year Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup.
In 2021, the defender joined Paris St-Germain from Inter Milan. So far, he has won 13 trophies with the team, including consecutive Champions League titles in the last two seasons.
