Hakimi to Stand Trial Over 2023 Rape Allegation as Morocco Captain Awaits World Cup Match
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 19
Hakimi to Stand Trial Over 2023 Rape Allegation as Morocco Captain Awaits World Cup Match
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 19
Summary
French prosecutors confirmed Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape after an investigating judge ordered proceedings in February 2026 and a recent appeal to dismiss the case failed.
A 24-year-old woman accused the Paris St-Germain defender of raping her at his home in Paris in 2023, prompting a preliminary investigation opened by the Nanterre prosecutor's office in March that year.
Hakimi, 97 caps into his Morocco career, again denied the allegation on social media and said he had been waiting for a trial so he could finally speak.
No trial date has been set, but the case could complicate Morocco's World Cup campaign if the team reaches knockout matches in Canada or Mexico, where entry rules can bar people linked to crimes.
As his trial looms, will Achraf Hakimi's legal battle derail Morocco's World Cup campaign?
Beyond Hakimi's guilt, does his case expose a culture of impunity within elite men's football?
With his accuser refusing DNA tests, how can prosecutors prove Achraf Hakimi is guilty of rape?
Achraf Hakimi Ordered to Stand Trial for Rape: Legal, Career, and Football Implications Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Overview
Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan football star and current captain at the 2026 World Cup, has been ordered to stand trial in France on rape charges. This major legal development comes at a crucial time, as Hakimi leads Morocco on the world stage while facing severe distractions from the upcoming criminal proceedings. The plaintiff, known as Jeanne, has publicly stated her wish for the trial to move forward so she can be heard. Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi’s club, is closely monitoring the situation, and although a trial date is expected soon, it has not yet been announced.