Akraf Hakimi to face rape charges, French prosecutor confirms

Moroccan captain Acharaf Hakimi will be charged with rape, French prosecutors have confirmed.

A female defender of Paris Saint-Germain in 2010 He raped her in 2023 at the age of 24 at his home in the French capital.

The public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre, a western suburb of Paris, launched a preliminary investigation in March 2023.

Investigating judge He ordered a trial in February 2026 And according to French media, Hakimi’s recent appeal to have the trial dismissed was unsuccessful.

Hakimi, who is set to lead the team for their second World Cup match against Scotland on Friday (23:00 BST), has consistently denied the allegations.

“The justice system is staring me in the eye saying, ‘If you weren’t famous, there wouldn’t be a case,'” Hakeem wrote on social media on Friday.

“For years, I have chosen to remain silent; I believe that maintaining my dignity, being patient and trusting the justice system will allow me to make the right decisions.

“Today a story that is not mine is being told about my family, my life and most of all the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’m an easy target.

“I’ve been waiting for this hearing since the first day. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I can speak.”

“After more than three years of legal proceedings and my client being defamed and dragged through what she believes to be Akraf Hakimi’s defense, this ruling gives her relief and hope,” plaintiff’s attorney Rachel-Flor Pardo said in a statement.

“Relief has been heard by the justice system and has the right to a trial.

“We hope this trial will help other women and further undermine the stigma and impunity surrounding sexual assault, including in the world of men’s football.”

A date for the trial has not yet been set.

All three of Morocco’s group games were played in the United States, where the team is currently based.

But if Morocco advance to the knockout stages, Hakimi could face trouble getting into Canada or Mexico if their match is played outside the United States.

Last week, Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey He missed his country’s opening game against Panama. After being denied entry to World Cup affiliate Canada.

Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by four different women between 2020 and 2022.

He is due to go on trial next year.

According to the Government of Canada website, they can deny entry to anyone who has “committed or been convicted of a felony.”

The World Cup is being held in all three co-host nations, with only the US until the quarterfinals.

Hakimi, who won 97 caps for Morocco, made his debut in 2016 at the age of 17.

In the year He was a key figure in Morocco becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

The defender joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 and has won 13 pieces of silverware during his time at the club – including the Champions League in the last two seasons.