A French court has approved criminal proceedings against Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi after rejecting his appeal. The 27-year-old denies the allegation and says he is looking forward to the trial. On X, he wrote that he sometimes feels he has become an easy target, adding, “I have been waiting for this trial from day one. And now I am looking forward to it. Finally I will be able to speak.”
The case concerns an incident on February 25, 2023, when Hakimi allegedly invited a 24-year-old woman to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt after exchanging messages with her on Instagram. According to her police testimony, he kissed her against her will, touched her without consent, and then forced himself on her sexually.
Hakimi has repeatedly denied the accusations and insisted there is no truth to them. For now, he will remain with Morocco at the World Cup in North America. Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in its opening match and is set to play Scotland next, followed by Haiti.