Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial After Rape Charge Appeal Rejected

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial on a rape charge after France’s highest court rejected his final appeal against an order sending him to trial.

The Court of Cassation upheld the decision on Wednesday, confirming that the 27-year-old must face trial over allegations dating back to 2023, which he has repeatedly denied.

Hakimi had challenged the original order before the Versailles appeals court upheld it in June.

 His appeal to the Court of Cassation was his final legal avenue against the decision to proceed to trial.

His lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the court had not examined the allegations themselves and that Hakimi’s defence would present its evidence during the trial.

“The allegations against Achraf Hakimi, which he has firmly contested from day one, have not been examined by the Court of Cassation,” Colin said. “They will be during the trial.”

The lawyer added that Hakimi had fully cooperated with police and judicial authorities and had “nothing to hide”.

The woman who made the allegation, through her lawyer Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the decision and said she remained determined to obtain justice.

PSG said Hakimi has “always firmly denied the allegations” and continues to benefit from the presumption of innocence.

The French champions added that they would maintain a “calm and respectful working environment” for the player while reiterating their opposition to all forms of violence, particularly sexual violence.