PSG star Achraf Hakimi to stand trial after France’s highest court rejects appeal

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is set to face trial for rape following France's highest court rejecting his final appeal to dismiss the case, according to The Athletic. Hakimi, 27, will now have to face trial at a criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department, west of Paris. The date of the trial has yet to be set, but it could occur next year.

The alleged incident took place on February 25, 2023, at Hakimi's home in Boulogne-Billancourt. The woman involved had communicated with Hakimi through Instagram before visiting his residence. She subsequently accused him of rape. Hakimi was formally charged five days after the incident, but he vehemently denies the allegation. Hakimi's defense team had previously sought to have the case dismissed, but both the Court of Appeal of Versailles and the Court of Cassation rejected their appeals.

In June, Hakimi acknowledged his silence for years while trusting the legal process, stating that he was ready to present his side of the story during the trial. The accuser's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, declared her client's determination to seek justice after three and a half years of legal proceedings, asserting that she will fight "to the very end."

Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, countered that the Court of Cassation did not examine the substance of the allegations and that evidence supporting his defense would be presented during the trial. Hakimi is among 30 players nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or after a stellar campaign, during which he contributed to PSG's five major titles, including the UEFA Champions League.