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A major crisis for the Moroccan star
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi expressed his satisfaction after leading the Atlas Lions to a 1-0 win over Scotland at the 2026 World Cup to lift the team to four points in Group C, level with Brazil, just hours after a French court ruled he was given a rape trial.
According to a press release issued by the Versailles Court of Appeal, yesterday, Friday, the court ruled that Hakimi should be formally charged with rape, explaining that the investigation concluded that there was sufficient evidence against the player to prosecute him, while the 28-year-old defender denies any wrongdoing.
Hakimi wrote on the “X” platform after the game. “An important step, a collective victory,” in a brief statement that reflected his focus on the sporting aspect despite the judicial pressure surrounding him.
For his part, Morocco coach Mohamed Webe confirmed that the technical staff and the team “support” the captain of the national team, noting that the player is “calm” and performing exceptionally despite the difficult circumstances.
When Wehbe was asked in the post-match press conference if he was concerned about Hakimi’s psychological management, he said:
He added in a defensive tone: “He did a good job, why are we talking about management? He woke up in the morning, he ate like everyone else, he was focused, he played with everyone, he wanted to play hard, and he did.”
“We don’t need to say anything. We’re rooting for him and he’s very calm and we hope he proves he’s the best full-back in the world. I think this issue is important for me, the players and the 44 million Moroccans who follow us.”
Hakimi was booed by some fans on the pitch as he touched the ball, in a scene that reflected the fallout from the incident that has haunted him since March 2023, when he faced the original rape charge after a 24-year-old woman claimed he raped her at her home in a Paris suburb.
It is noteworthy that Hakimi appealed the decision of the investigating judge last February, based on the recommendations of the prosecutor’s office, that he should be tried, but the Court of Appeal rejected his appeal and confirmed his sending for trial.
