Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France over allegations of rape, French prosecutors have confirmed.
The Paris public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre says the case stems from a complaint filed by a woman who alleges the Paris Saint-Germain defender raped her at his home in the Paris area in 2023, when she was 24.
Investigating magistrates ordered the case to trial in February 2026. French media report that Hakimi recently failed in an appeal to have the proceedings dismissed.
Hakimi, 27, has consistently denied the allegations. He has not yet commented on the latest confirmation of the trial order, but previously insisted he has been unfairly targeted and expects to clear his name in court.
The player is currently with Paris Saint-Germain and is expected to lead Morocco national football team in their World Cup group match against Scotland on Friday night.
In a recent social media post, Hakimi said he had remained silent for years and trusted the justice system, adding that he now looks forward to speaking in court.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the decision brings her client relief after years of proceedings, arguing it confirms she has been heard and will finally have her case examined at trial. She also said the ruling could help other victims of sexual violence.
A trial date has not been set.
The development comes during the ongoing FIFA World Cup, being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Morocco’s group matches are currently scheduled in the United States.
Concerns remain over potential travel restrictions should Morocco advance to matches staged in Canada or Mexico. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey recently missed a World Cup match after being denied entry to Canada while facing separate legal proceedings.
Canada’s immigration rules allow authorities to refuse entry to individuals considered to have committed or been charged with certain crimes.
Hakimi has earned 97 caps for Morocco since his debut in 2016 and was a key figure in the team’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. He joined PSG from Inter Milan in 2021 and has won multiple domestic and European honours during his club career.
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