Morocco World Cup captain Achraf Hakimi to stand trial on rape charge

Morocco's highly-regarded World Cup captain, Achraf Hakimi, is set to stand trial on rape charges following a decision by a French appeals court on Friday, June 19, 2026. This ruling upholds an earlier February decision by an investigative judge, which Hakimi's legal team had appealed. The allegations against the Paris Saint-Germain defender stem from a complaint filed in March 2023 by a 24-year-old woman.

Hakimi has vehemently denied all wrongdoing throughout the legal proceedings. His lawyers contend that the case against him is flawed, pointing to the complainant's alleged lack of cooperation with investigations and contradictions in her statements. Conversely, the plaintiff's lawyer has expressed relief regarding the court's decision, emphasizing that her client feels heard by the justice system.

While Hakimi is currently participating in the World Cup with the Moroccan national team, a specific date for the trial has not yet been announced. This development casts a significant shadow over the career of one of the world's top defenders as the legal process moves forward.