Morocco captain Hakimi must stand trial on rape charge, French officials say

The captain of Morocco’s World Cup team will stand trial for rape, a French appeals court has said.

Achraf Hakimi, 27, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was accused of raping a 24-year-old woman at his home in the French capital in 2023.

A public prosecutor’s office began a preliminary investigation and recommended in February this year that Hakimi should face trial, which he appealed against.

On Friday, the Versailles appeals court confirmed the footballer would be formally charged with rape as there is sufficient evidence to send him to trial.

The decision comes just hours before Morocco faces Scotland in their second match of the 2026 World Cup.

Hakimi, considered to be one of the best right-backs in the world, has denied any wrongdoing.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the alleged victim, said that after more than three years of legal proceedings, the court’s decision “brings my client a sense of relief and hope”.

“Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have her case heard at trial,” Pardo said.

“Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including within the world of men’s football.”

Posting on social media on Friday, he wrote: “The justice system looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you weren’t famous, there would never have been a case.’

“I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.

“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I’ve become an easy target.

“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak.”

No date has yet been given for the start of the trial, but while Hakimi is currently based in the United States with the Morocco squad, it remains to be seen whether his pending court case affects his continued participation in the World Cup.

ITV News has contacted FIFA for comment.