Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi appeals rape trial referral

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi has filed an appeal with France’s Court of Cassation after a Court of Appeal upheld a decision ordering the Atlas Lions captain to stand trial on rape charges dating back to 2023.

According to reports from AFP on Friday, the appeal comes after the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed on June 19 that the Paris Saint-Germain defender would face trial in a criminal court over allegations he has consistently denied.

The 27-year-old, who is currently representing the Morocco national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has maintained his innocence since the case first emerged.

Morocco recently advanced to the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group C with seven points, narrowly behind Brazil on goal difference.

Following the ruling by the Court of Appeal, Hakimi reacted on social media platform X, writing: “I have been waiting for this trial from the beginning, and finally I can speak.”

His lawyer, Fanny Collin, declined to publicly comment on the appeal submitted to the Court of Cassation, France’s highest court for reviewing civil and criminal legal matters. However, earlier this month she insisted the player remained resolute in his defence.

“She is firm in his defense and he has much to say,” Collin stated in mid-June.

The case stems from allegations made by a 24-year-old woman in February 2023 in the Val-de-Marne region southeast of Paris.

According to a police source at the time, the complainant told investigators she first met Hakimi through Instagram in January 2023 before visiting his home in a taxi allegedly arranged by the footballer.

She accused the Moroccan defender of kissing and touching her without consent before allegedly raping her.

The complainant’s lawyer, Rachele Fleur-Bardot, welcomed the court’s decisions so far and reiterated her client’s determination to continue pursuing the matter.

“All the rulings in this case have been in favor of the complainant, and she will continue to fight to the end to achieve justice,” she said.

Hakimi has remained available for both club and country throughout the legal proceedings and continues to be a key figure for Morocco at the ongoing World Cup.