Moroccan international Zakaria Aboukhlal has secured a significant legal victory in France after the Paris Court of Appeal ruled in his favor in a defamation case against a former executive of French media outlet RMC.
The 25-year-old Toulouse forward took legal action following reports that he had allegedly made a discriminatory remark during a public ceremony.
However, the court found the claims to be false, leading to RMC retracting its initial report.
Case Background
Aboukhlal, who played a key role in Toulouse’s Coupe de France triumph in 2023, was among the squad honored at a celebratory event at the town hall.
RMC had reported that during the ceremony, the Moroccan forward made an inappropriate remark directed at Laurence Arribagé, a local official responsible for sports affairs.
Following the allegations, Toulouse FC briefly suspended Aboukhlal while an investigation was conducted.
However, the suspension was lifted swiftly when Arribagé publicly denied the accuracy of RMC’s claims, confirming in an interview that the reported comments were never made.
Determined to restore his reputation, Aboukhlal pursued legal action against the media outlet.
The Paris Court of Appeal’s ruling now formally acknowledges that the allegations were defamatory, providing the Moroccan international with legal vindication.
Career and Current Form
Aboukhlal, who previously played for Dutch clubs PSV Eindhoven and AZ Alkmaar, is in his third season with Toulouse.
A key figure in the squad, he has been a consistent performer in Ligue 1, registering six goals so far this season.
With the court’s decision now in his favor, Aboukhlal hopes to put the controversy behind him and focus on his footballing career.
