Africa-Press – Lesotho. Achraf Hakimi has confirmed he is preparing to face trial following a rape allegation made against him in France. The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who also represents the Morocco national football team, has strongly denied the accusation brought by a 24-year-old woman who claims she was assaulted at his residence in Paris in 2023.
Prosecutors in Nanterre, located in the western suburbs of the French capital, opened a preliminary investigation into the matter in March 2023. While a trial date has not yet been announced, the case is expected to proceed through the French legal system.
Reacting publicly, Hakimi wrote on social media that the existence of an accusation alone appears sufficient to move a case to trial. He described the situation as unfair to innocent individuals while also acknowledging the seriousness of genuine cases.
The defender stated he remains calm and is ready to defend himself in court, expressing confidence that the legal process will reveal the truth. Despite the ongoing legal issue, Hakimi continues to feature in PSG’s plans.
The French champions are set to host AS Monaco in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off tie on Wednesday, and the Moroccan international was included in the club’s initial squad list released last week.
Born in Spain, Hakimi has established himself as one of the top right-backs in world football. Since joining PSG, he has made 194 appearances and played a key role in the club’s domestic and European successes, including their recent Ligue 1 and Champions League triumphs.
His outstanding performances earned him recognition at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in Paris on Monday, where he was named in the FIFPro Men’s World Team of the Year.
On the international stage, Hakimi was instrumental in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — the first time an African nation reached that stage of the tournament.
