Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial in a rape case, a decision confirmed by his legal team and the plaintiff’s lawyers.
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said she plans to appeal the ruling, which follows recommendations from the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office. A trial date has not yet been set.
The case stems from preliminary charges filed in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of rape at his residence in a Paris suburb. Under French law, preliminary charges indicate that authorities believe there is sufficient evidence to investigate further, but the case must still undergo judicial review before trial.
Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the world’s top defenders, has denied all wrongdoing, asserting on social media that he “calmly awaits” a trial where the truth can be revealed publicly. “Today, an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything shows that it is false,” he said.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the trial order, describing it as “fully consistent with the evidence in the file” and expressing relief that the case will now proceed in court.
Colin criticized the case, claiming the plaintiff obstructed investigations, refused medical and DNA testing, denied access to her mobile phone, and withheld the name of a key witness. She added that psychological assessments showed “a lack of clarity regarding the facts she claims to denounce” and no signs of post-traumatic symptoms.
The case has drawn attention to broader issues in men’s professional football. Pardo noted that the matter highlights areas where the #MeToo movement has yet to gain full traction within the sport.
PSG coach Luis Enrique, speaking ahead of a Champions League playoff against AS Monaco, said Hakimi’s legal situation would be handled by the justice system and would not affect team decisions at present.
