Hakimi says he is ready to speak as French court refers rape case to trial

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has said he is ready to defend himself publicly after a French court upheld a decision to send him to trial over a rape allegation dating back to 2023.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender broke his silence in a statement published on his official accounts after the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed that the case should proceed to trial.

Hakimi, who is currently with Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, has repeatedly denied the allegation.

The legal development comes as Morocco prepare for their second group-stage match against Scotland on Saturday.

Hakimi said he had waited for the opportunity to speak fully since the beginning of the case, after choosing to remain silent while the legal process continued.

“Justice looked me in the eye and said to me: If you were not a well-known person, this case would not have existed in the first place. I chose to remain silent for years, and I believed that having dignity, patience, and trust in justice would lead to the right decision.”

He added, “Today, a story that has nothing to do with me is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and the truth itself. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target. I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one, and I’m eagerly awaiting it now. Finally, I’ll be able to speak.”

A judicial decision is awaited

Hakimi’s comments followed the decision by the investigating chamber of the Versailles Court of Appeal to uphold his referral to the Hauts-de-Seine regional criminal court.

The 27-year-old had appeared personally at a hearing in May as his legal team sought to have the referral decision cancelled.

That decision had been issued by an investigating judge in February.

However, the court rejected the defence arguments and ruled that the legal proceedings should continue.

The trial is expected to take place in the coming months.

The ruling does not determine guilt or innocence, but means the case will now move to the next stage of the French judicial process.

For Hakimi, the timing is sensitive, coming during a World Cup campaign in which he remains one of Morocco’s most important players.

The Atlas Lions are seeking to build on their historic 2022 run, when they became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Hakimi has been central to Morocco’s rise in recent years, both as a senior player and as one of the most recognised African footballers in the world.

Hakimi’s defence maintains his innocence

Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, criticised the court’s decision and said the defence remained convinced of his innocence.

She said the case file contained several elements that, in the view of the defence, supported the player’s position.

According to the lawyer, the investigation produced information that should have resulted in the case being closed.

She also pointed to what the defence considers contradictions in the complainant’s statements, as well as other material presented during the investigation.

Colin said Hakimi is waiting for the trial so he can present his full account of events and respond publicly to the accusation.

Hakimi categorically denies the allegation.

His legal team has maintained that the case should not have proceeded to trial and that the player will use the court process to defend himself fully.

The case dates back to 2023

The case began in February 2023, when a young woman went to French police and accused Hakimi of sexually assaulting her during a meeting at his home.

According to the original complaint, the two had met through social media before the alleged incident.

Since the allegation became public, Hakimi has maintained his innocence.

He has said the encounter took place within the framework of a consensual relationship and has rejected all accusations against him.

The case will now continue through the French courts, while Hakimi remains involved in Morocco’s World Cup campaign.

For the player, the next stage of the process will be the opportunity he says he has been waiting for: to speak in court and give his version of events.

Until then, the case remains unresolved, and the Moroccan captain will continue to face both legal scrutiny and public attention as one of Africa’s highest-profile footballers.