PSG defender Achraf Hakimi ordered to stand trial over rape allegation
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial in France charged with rape, an allegation the Morocco international has described as “false”.
Hakimi maintains innocence after court order
The 26-year-old is accused of raping a 24-year-old woman at his home in the Boulogne-Billancourt area of Paris in February 2023.
Hakimi was first indicted in March 2023 after being questioned by prosecutors and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Following the order to attend the criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine, the full-back issued a statement on social media platform X reiterating his position.
“Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false.”
The former Real Madrid player added: “It is as unfair to the innocent as it is to sincere victims. I await this trial calmly, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
Background to the investigation
The allegations first emerged two years ago, leading to a formal investigation by French authorities.
Speaking to broadcaster Canal+ in September, the PSG star described the situation as the “hardest blow” he has ever suffered.
“It hurts for my family, for my children, who are young and don’t know what the internet or reading is,” he said.
“I know that at some point in their lives they’ll read things, and for me, seeing that something about their father has been written and on top of that, it’s a lie, is not very pleasant.”
Legal and sporting context
Hakimi’s legal team has previously stated that the player made himself available to police and provided DNA evidence to aid the investigation.
“I know what I’ve been accused of. It’s a lie. I know who I am,” Hakimi told Canal+.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the defender has continued to feature regularly for the Ligue 1 champions.
He also played a pivotal role in helping Morocco become the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar in 2022.