Morocco Captain Achraf Hakimi to Face Rape Charges in France

Paris. French prosecutors have confirmed that Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi will be prosecuted on rape charges. 

A 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of raping her at his home in the French capital, Paris, in 2023. 

The public prosecutor's office in Nanterre, a western suburb of Paris, began a preliminary investigation into the matter in March 2023. An investigating judge ordered the case to go to trial in February 2026, and according to French media, a recent appeal by the 27-year-old Hakimi to have the case dismissed has failed. 

Hakimi, who is set to captain his team against Scotland in their second World Cup match on Friday, has consistently denied the allegations against him. Writing on social media on Friday, Hakimi said, “The justice system looked me in the eye and said – if you weren't famous, this would never have been a case.” 

He added, “I have decided to remain silent for years. I thought that by maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting the justice system, the right decision would be made. Today, a story that is not mine has been woven at the expense of my family, my life, and especially the truth. I sometimes feel like I'm an easy target. I have been waiting for this trial since day one and now I am eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I will be able to speak.” 

Morocco's three group stage matches are being held in the United States, where the team is currently based. However, if Morocco progresses to the knockout stages and their matches are held outside the US, Hakimi might face difficulties entering Canada or Mexico. Just last week, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey missed his team's first match against Panama after being denied entry into co-host Canada. 

The 32-year-old Partey has claimed he is not guilty in seven rape and one sexual assault cases filed based on allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to go to trial next year. According to Canada's government website, they can deny entry to any person who has