World Cup 2026: Achraf Hakimi breaks silence after French court upholds trial decision

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly addressed the legal case surrounding him for the first time since the Versailles Court of Appeal upheld the decision to refer him to trial over rape allegations dating back to 2023.

The legal development comes while the Paris Saint-Germain defender is representing Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Atlas Lions preparing for their second Group C match against Scotland on Saturday morning.

Hakimi, who has consistently denied the accusations since the case first emerged, released a statement on his official X account expressing frustration over the situation and insisting he has been waiting for the opportunity to defend himself publicly.

Hakimi Says He Has Waited Years to Speak

In his statement, the Moroccan international said he chose silence for years because he believed patience and trust in the judicial process would eventually allow the truth to emerge.

“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,” Hakimi wrote.

The 27-year-old added that the situation has deeply affected both his personal life and family.

“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.”

Court Upholds Decision to Proceed to Trial

Hakimi’s comments followed the decision by the investigative chamber of the Versailles Court of Appeal to uphold his referral to the Hauts-de-Seine Regional Criminal Court.

The Morocco captain personally attended the hearing in May and requested that the referral decision issued by the investigating judge in February be overturned. However, the court rejected the defense’s arguments and confirmed that legal proceedings would continue.

A final judicial ruling in the case is expected in the coming months once the trial begins.

Defense Maintains Hakimi’s Innocence

Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, also reacted to the court’s decision and reiterated the player’s position that he is innocent of the allegations.

According to Colin, the defense believes the investigation uncovered several elements that should have resulted in the case being dismissed. She pointed to what she described as contradictions in the complainant’s statements and other information presented during the investigation process.

She added that Hakimi intends to present his complete version of events during the trial and continue publicly denying all accusations against him.

Case Originated in 2023

The case began in February 2023 when a young woman gave a statement to French police accusing Hakimi of sexually assaulting her during a meeting at his home after the pair connected through social media.

Since the allegations first surfaced, Hakimi has maintained that the encounter was consensual and has categorically rejected all accusations made against him.

As legal proceedings continue, the defender remains part of Morocco’s squad at the FIFA World Cup, where the Atlas Lions are seeking qualification for the knockout stages.